48. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the widespread dislocation and impediment to trade and general reconstruction which must ensue as a result of the holding of a General Election at the cessation of hostilities, he will consider introducing legislation so as to permit of the election being spread over three years, one-third of the House of Commons retiring by ballot each year.
§ Mr. AttleeNo, Sir. My hon. Friend's proposal seems calculated to increase the difficulties which he is seeking to mitigate.
Mr. De la BèreCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me how it is possible to have a comprehensive and coherent social economy without some form of continuity of administration? Is it not a fact that if a General Election on party lines is held at an early date immediately after the war, nothing will have been solved and nothing will have been proved?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is a hypothetical question.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not true that without continuity of administration you cannot have anything solved, and that there is no continuity of administration?