HC Deb 25 October 1944 vol 404 cc179-80
Mr. Arthur Greenwood

May I ask the Prime Minister if he can make any statement with regard to the procedure to be adopted on Friday?

The Prime Minister

We have got the Diplomatic Privileges (Extension) Bill out of the way and therefore I think it might be convenient if, on Friday, I made a short statement on the Adjournment. That will allow questions to be put, but I trust there will not be a lengthy Debate, because there is another matter coming on—a Debate on Housing Repairs in London and south-East England—which will suffer by any inroads that may be made upon it by this preliminary discussion. As, however, there will be an opportunity of replying to anything I may say, I shall not feel myself under any particular restrictions about non-controversial topics.

Mr. Greenwood

Of course it is perfectly clear that on the Adjournment a statement would be debatable, but I gather that my right hon. Friend's view is that the Debate ought not to be prolonged.

The Prime Minister

I hope not.

Mr. Greenwood

May I, however, repeat the caveat which I entered yesterday, that that does not necessarily close the door—and my right hon. Friend must not give me the same reply he gave me yesterday—to a Debate at a later stage?

The Prime Minister

Exactly.