HC Deb 16 May 1944 vol 400 cc35-7
Mr. Molson

May I ask the Leader of the House whether, in accordance with his undertaking, he has been able to arrange for a Debate on the hours of sitting of the House, and whether a free vote of the House will be allowed?

Mr. Eden

I have considered this. The House will understand that we have important business this week and next, and I think that the only opportunity there will be for a Debate on the hours of sitting will occur on Thursday of this week. Accordingly, at the beginning of Business on Thursday I propose to afford that opportunity and to get the Business already announced, after that discussion has taken place. I hope that that will be agreeable to the House. Should a vote be called, the Whips will not be put on. I must warn the House that, for security reasons, we shall have to take the discussion in Secret Session.

Sir H. Williams

As we know the factories in which all the parts of German aeroplanes are made, does my right hon. Friend imagine that Hitler does not know at what hour we meet?

Mr. Eden

I do not know at what hour we shall meet.

Sir H. Williams

I mean the hour we now meet.

Mr. Eden

That is not the point. The point is whether there are to be any changes.

Sir H. Williams

Does my right hon. Friend think for a minute that within 12 hours of our making any change in the hour of sitting, the Germans will not know?

Mr. Eden

The hon. Gentleman may have more knowledge of these matters than I have. I am prepared to give my reasons in Secret Session. We are living in slightly exceptional times. I discussed this matter with the Minister of Home Security, and he asked me—and I am in agreement with him—to make the statement I have made.

Mr. A. Bevan

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to ask the House to extend the Sitting to-morrow for the discussion of Regulations? A large number of Members will want to take part in that Debate. It covers a wide ground and it has been discussed by Ministers in speeches in the country.

Mr. Eden

Originally, a full day was not asked for, and now we have given a full day, which is a larger ration than was at first applied for. In these circumstances we had better watch the position to see how we get on.

Mr. Bevan

The question of what was asked for is not the important point. The important point is that this is a matter of considerable interest which has been brought up on Bill after Bill in the House, and the House has expressed on more than one occasion a desire to consider it as an abstract principle. A very limited Debate to-morrow will be an inadequate vehicle to give Members an opportunity of discussing the matter. Will the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, consider an extension of an hour or two?

Mr. Eden

A considerable time is being allotted, and I cannot go beyond saying that I would like to see how things work out before giving a decision.

Captain Cobb

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will not be sticky about extending the time, as many Members want to take part?

Mr. Eden

I should hesitate to define the word "sticky,"

Mr. Leach

There is a reference in the Press to the possible publication of a White Paper on the Beveridge proposals—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member had better wait until Thursday.

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  1. MESSAGE FROM THE LORDS 11 words