BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 2 September 1939)

§ LORD SNELL
My Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government whether they can make any statement about the present position of foreign affairs.

§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT HALIFAX)
My Lords, I must express my regret to your Lordships that I am not at this moment in a position to make a statement. I had hoped to be able to do so, if it had been possible to make arrangements by which your Lordships could have met a little bit later. If it had been so, I should have hoped to be in a position to make a statement, as I have said.

§ LORD SNELL
What, in the circumstances, is it proposed to do—to adjourn during pleasure?

§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (EARL STANHOPE)
I propose that we should adjourn now and meet again at six o'clock. My noble friend, as he has said, is not certain that he can make a statement then, but I think it is worth while for your Lordships to come back then, in the hope that he may be able to do so. I suggest, therefore, that we adjourn and meet again at six o'clock. May I say, also, that I understand another place is to meet to-morrow at twelve noon? Therefore it is perhaps advisable that this House should also meet at twelve noon, in case there is a further statement to be made, and then adjourn until three o'clock in order to take legislation. Of course, as the other House is meeting at noon, we should have to wait some time until the Bills come up from there. Therefore I think it would be advisable that we should adjourn until three o'clock, and then take legislation.

§ VISCOUNT SAMUEL
May I ask whether any Bills are expected from the other House to-day?

§ EARL STANHOPE
I understand that there are only two of any great importance, which could quite well wait for 952 Royal Assent until to-morrow, and therefore I need not ask your Lordships to come back to pass them to-day.

§ EARL STANHOPE
My Lords, my noble friend the Foreign Secretary is not able at this moment to make a statement. I am not quite sure how long he will be. Therefore I suggest that the House should adjourn during pleasure, and that as soon as my noble friend arrives we should reassemble.