THE EARL OF ROSEBERYMy Lords, I desire to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he can give any information as to the progress of this Bill? It is regarded with great interest in Scotland, and the only news we have of it is that the Lord Advocate in the other House promised that the Second Reading should be taken before Whitsuntide. I am aware, of course, that there is a clog of business in the other House, but I hope my noble Friend will be able to give your Lordships favourable tidings with regard to the Bill.
*THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (The Marquess of LOTHIAN)My noble Friend has kindly given me private notice of the question he has asked in regard to this Bill. I am almost tempted to answer my noble Friend's question in what is supposed to be Scottish fashion by putting another question in reply. I should be inclined to ask my noble Friend whether, from his great influence, he could give any information as to the progress likely to be made with Government measures in 1550 the other House? I have no doubt, however, from the statement which was made by an eminent statesman in East Anglia the other day as to the almost entire absence of obstruction in the other House, that the Second Reading-of this Bill will be taken in that House as set down on June 2. With regard to the assurance of the Lord Advocate, it was the intention of the Government to take the Second Reading before Whitsuntide if possible; but in consequence of that which my noble Friend is pleased to call the clog of business in the other House it is now impossible to do so. It is the intention of the Government that the Bill should come on at the earliest possible time, and I hope to he able soon to introduce it in your Lordships' House.