THE EARL OF CRAWFORDMy Lords, in moving the adjournment of the House I desire to state to your Lordships what we propose as the business for next week. There are three Bills which ought to be passed before we adjourn for the Whitsuntide Recess—namely, the National Health Insurance Bill, the Ejection (Suspensory Provisions) (Scotland) Bill, and the Profiteering Bill. Each of these measures is expected to reach us from the House of Commons late to-night. It is therefore suggested that we should meet on Monday next, and that the Standing Orders should be suspended in order to enable us to take on that day the First and Second Readings of the National Health Bill and the Ejection (Suspensory Provisions) (Scotland) Bill, and the First Reading of the Profiteering Bill. Furthermore it is suggested that on Tuesday next we should take the Second Reading of the Profiteering Bill, and the remaining stages of that and of the other two Bills before the House adjourns at its rising on Wednesday, or upon its rising on Thursday, for the Whitsuntide Recess.
§ Moved, That the House do adjourn until Monday next.—(The Earl of Crawford.)
THE MARQUESS OF CREWEMy Lords, so far as I am able to judge, the course sug- 327 gested by the noble Earl seems to be the most convenient in the circumstances. Could he tell us when these Bills will be in the possession of the House? If they are only read a First Time on Monday it may, perhaps, be difficult to get them printed in time. It is possible, of course, to circulate the House of Commons Bill before the First Reading takes place.
§ THE EARL OF CRAWFORD If the printers can get it accomplished the Bills 328 shall be circulated on Saturday; otherwise I will try and arrange for copies of the Commons Bills to be circulated to your Lordships. I will put myself in communication with the authorities on the subject in order to secure the earliest possible printing of these measures.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ House adjourned at six o'clock.