HC Deb 14 July 1942 vol 381 cc1102-3W

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this day, notwithstanding anything in Standing Order No. 14, a Supplementary Estimate for a new service may be considered in Committee of Supply."—[Sir Stafford Cripps.]

Earl Winterten

(Horsham and Worthing): I hope the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Leader of the House will give a word of explanation of this Motion. It is a novel proposal, and it is not very easy to understand it by reading Standing Order No. 14. I think it is rather desirable, when we have these innovations, that we should also have a short explanation of the reason.

The Lord Privy Seal (Sir Stafford Cripps)

I am only too glad to comply with the request of my Noble Friend. As a matter of fact this is not an innovation; there are many precedents for such a Motion. Under Standing Order No. 14, dealing with Supply, a Supplementary Estimate for a new service, that is to say, an additional Estimate for any new matter not included in the original Estimate for the year, cannot be included in the computation of the 20 Allotted Supply Days. To-day is the 13th Alloted Day, and it is necessary, for the Production Debate, to bring forward a Supplementary Estimate for the Office of the Minister of Production, which is a new service. The Motion is therefore necessary.

Question put, and agreed to.