HC Deb 04 April 1946 vol 421 cc1400-1
Mr. Churchill

(by Private Notice) asked the Leader of the House whether the Government propose to alter the present Hours of Sitting in view of the improved travelling facilities late at night.

Mr. H. Morrison

As the House is aware, the present Hours of Sitting were arranged after consultation and were fixed in relation to the restricted transport services after 10 o'clock at night. Now that there has been an improvement in travelling facilities the matter has been reconsidered

It is therefore proposed that after Easter we should meet at 2.30 p.m. on ordinary days and sit until 10 or 10.30 p.m. The half-hour Adjournment would normally come between 10 and 10.30 p.m. This gives an extra half-hour. We would not disturb the present Hours of Sitting on Fridays.

From inquiries which we have been able to make, I think that this proposal will find favour in all quarters of the House. [HON. MEMBERS: NO."] It will he necessary before the Recess to pass a Motion to amend the Order of the House relating to the Hours of Sitting, and I hope that the proposal which I have made will commend itself generally to the House. [HON. MEMBERS: "NO."]

Mr. Churchill

So far as His Majesty's Government's Opposition are concerned, we think that the changes proposed are very sensible and will add much to our general convenience. The way in which this matter has been considered, through the usual channels, is only an additional evidence of their continuing excellence.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Can my right hon. Friend say what forms of consultation were adopted before the Government reached the opinion that these proposals would commend themselves generally to the House, as the indications seem to be to the contrary?

Mr. Morrison

I have gathered that there is a certain amount of concern on this side of the House, of which I will take notice. But I must also take notice of the views of the Opposition. I was advised that the parties generally had been consulted—[HON. MEMBERS: NO."]ߞbut if there has been any remissness on that point, in so far as my hon. Friends on this side are concerned, I will see that they are consulted. Nevertheless, I still hope that the new arrangements may go through.

Mr. Scollan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many Members have expressed the opinion that it would be far better if our hours of Sitting were 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. instead of 2.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.?

Mr. Morrison

I totally disagree with that view; it would bring our Standing Committees system completely to an end.