HC Deb 03 August 1944 vol 402 cc1593-4
33. Mr. Bartle Bull

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet in a position to state when the Government propose to introduce legislation giving effect to the recommendations of Mr. Speaker's Conference on the subject of Redistribution of Parliamentary Seats.

Mr. H. Morrison

Notice of introduction of a Bill on this subject has been given to-day. It may be some little time before the Bill will be ready for circulation, but I hope that it may prove practicable to circulate it for the information of Members before the House resumes after the Recess.

Mr. Bull

Can my right hon. Friend indicate that this will be got on with quickly after the Recess, so that when election time comes all parties can have their candidates adopted, and not be forced to make mistakes through hasty decisions?

Mr. Morrison

That relates to the Business of the House, for which the Leader of the House is responsible. But I can assure my hon. Friend that I am very anxious to get the Bill through as quickly as possible.

Sir Richard Acland

Will this be a comprehensive Bill, dealing with all the recommendations of the Speaker's Conference, or will it be just a Bill dealing with one point, to be followed by other Bills dealing with other points?

Mr. Morrison

It will be a Bill dealing with redistribution only.

Mr. Mander

Is it intended to pass the Bill into law before there is a General Election?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir.