HC Deb 12 December 1945 vol 417 c421
Mr. Bowles (Nuneaton)

On a point of Order. Before the Prime Minister moves the Motion on the Order Paper relating to the Business of the House for today, I wonder whether the Government would consider extending the time for the discussion on the Anglo-American Financial and Economic Agreement indefinitely, instead of for two hours only. I know I cannot speak on the Motion to suspend the Rule, but I would ask the Government to extend the time further, as under this proposal we should have less than 12 hours to discuss negotiations which took 12 weeks. If the Government can win the argument, they will certainly win the Debate and win the Division.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Notice has been given on the Order Paper.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Gentleman is right. The Motion has been on the Order Paper and that means that it cannot be passed in an amended form. The Motion has to be taken as it stands.

Mr. Gallacher (Fife, West)

Will it not be in the power of the Government later on to move a further extension?

Mr. Speaker

No—not under our Rules.

Ordered: That the Proceedings on the Motion relating to the Anglo-American Financial and Economic Discussions be exempted at this day's Sitting, from the provisions of the Standing Order (Sittings of the House) for Two hours after a quarter past Nine o'clock."—[The Prime Minister.]