HC Deb 21 December 1944 vol 406 c1934
45. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Prime Minister if he will move to appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the future of Parliamentary machinery and consider how it should be adapted to meet the post-war needs and while preserving the rights of private Members function with speed and efficiency.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I have no statement to make on this proposal at the present time.

Mr. Smith

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Report prepared by the Committee on the Rebuilding of the House of Commons is a good one, and if so, is not the next logical step to take to set up a Select Committee to consider the machinery that is going to function in the new House, and will he also remind the Prime Minister that, when the last Committee was considering this, the right hon. Gentleman gave evidence before it of the character contained in this Question?

Mr. Attlee

That is under consideration.

Captain Duncan

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that Parliamentary machinery is not the cause of the delay but that the delay occurs in Government Departments in drawing up Bills?

Mr. McGovern

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the best things that could happen in connection with the Parliamentary machine is to free Members from the power of the outside power machines that are operating against Members of this House and constituency needs?

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