Business of the House

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at on 11 September 1942.

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Photo of Lieut-General Edward Fitzroy Lieut-General Edward Fitzroy , Daventry

According to the practice of the House a Motion, notice of which stands on the Paper, is capable of "blocking" the discussion of the subject matter of that Motion on a Motion for the Adjournment. But under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed, before deciding that a discussion is out of Order on this ground, to have regard to the probability of the "blocking" Motion being brought up for debate within a reasonable time. Now, as Members know, the Government have been given control of the entire time of the House. But the Motion on India which might have "blocked" the discussion of the Indian situation on the Motion for the Adjournment has been put down, not by Ministers but by Private Members, and no undertaking has been given by the Government that time will be found for its discussion. I cannot see any probability of its being discussed within a reasonable time, and I must rule, therefore, that it does not in any way prevent the discussion of any subject on the Motion for the Adjournment to-day.