HC Deb 06 December 1944 vol 406 cc524-5
46. Earl Winterton

asked the Prime Minister when this House will be afforded an opportunity to discuss the Report of the Select Committee on the House of Commons (Rebuilding).

Mr. Eden

In view of the state of public business, I see little hope of time being found before the Christmas Adjournment for discussion of the Report referred to by my Noble Friend. The Prime Minister desires me to say that His Majesty's Government consider the discussion of this Report most urgent, in order that practical progress may be made with what must necessarily be a long business.

Earl Winterton

In view of the fact that a Select Committee ceases to function after it has reported, and that in any case it would be most inappropriate for Private Members to put down a Motion which committed the House to large expenditure, will the Government when we do have a discussion put down a Motion either approving of the Report or disapproving, according to the advice which they propose to offer to the House?

Mr. Eden

I would like to consider that; it raises some important issues. My answer was dealing, in the first instance, with the way in which we are going to handle this matter. I do not think it is possible before the Christmas Recess, but I trust we may do so very soon afterwards.