§ 46. Mr. Ralph Ethertonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the concern felt by almost all hon. Members at the continued refusal of the Government to provide time this Session for any Motion standing on the Order Paper in the name of any hon. Member; and whether, in view of the undertaking given on behalf of his Administration, he will give consideration to those Motions to which more than 100 Members have subscribed.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)The reasons for asking hon. Members to forgo their right of proposing Motions were given during the 855 Debate on the Motion to take the time of the House for Government Business. As in previous Sessions, the Government propose to allow every opportunity for Debates on matters of general interest during the present Session, but, as at present advised, I see no reason to alter the arrangements which have been accepted by the House for these difficult times.
§ Mr. EthertonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of holding an even balance in this matter, in view of the undertaking the Government gave to find time in the present Session for any matter on which there was a substantial demand for a debate?
§ Mr. EdenI have that very much in mind. We found time yesterday for a Debate on a matter which originally arose on a private Member's Motion. We are always ready to find time, but I want to find it within Government time, and not outside it.