HC Deb 16 February 1944 vol 397 cc185-96
The Secretary of State for Foreiģn Affairs (Mr. Eden)

I beg to move, That the Proceedings on the Committee stage of the Education Bill be exempted, at this day's Sitting, from the provisions of the Standing Order (Sittings of the House) for one hour after the hour appointed for the interruption of Business. I wonder if I might recall to the House that this will be our fourth day in Committee on the Education Bill? I think that in the three days we have already made quite good progress, but I hope that on this, the fourth, day we may be able to go just a little faster.

Mr. Thorne (Plaistow)

Is it still the intention that the Prime Minister should make his statement on the war situation during our next series of Sittings?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, there is no change. There will be a two-day Debate on the war situation.

Mr. Gallacher (Fife, West)

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the President of the Board of Education that if he is a little more susceptible to the influence of Members who put forward Amendments, and accepts them more readily, we shall get through the Education Bill more quickly?

Mr. Eden

I have always found that my right hon. Friend most skilfully combines the attributes of being stalwart and susceptible at the same time.

Sir Herbert Williams (Croydon, South)

As the Education Bill is largely founded on agreements concluded with people outside, is it not a fact that this House is being deprived of its chances of amending the Bill because the Minister is unwilling to upset those agreements?

Mr. Eden

I do not think my hon. Friend would wish to press that charge, on reflection. He has only to look at the pages of Amendments to realise that it has no foundation.

Question put, and agreed to.