§ 2.58 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name.
§ Moved, That Standing Order No. 35 be considered in order to its being dispensed with for the purpose of taking the Second Reading of the Esso Petroleum Company Bill after the Second Reading of the Public Health Bill on Thursday next.—(Viscount Hailsham.)
VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGHMy Lords, we have had just a little conversation in the House about the Esso Petroleum Company Bill. This Private Bill is of considerable importance, concerning the new pipeline to be laid by this company, which I gather is to be followed by other examples of the same kind of thing. I feel, therefore, that the debate will not he a short one. We cannot yet tell whether the debate on the Public Health Bill will be very prolonged. It may not be—I do not know. But I should have thought that it would be better, if at all possible, for the Government to find a separate day for a Bill of such importance, even though it bears the title of a Private Bill.
I feel that Her Majesty's Government must expect to have a debate which will include, not an Amendment to the Motion but the consideration, which is sometimes usual in some cases, of an instruction. If they have decided that this is the pattern which the proceedings on Thursday next (which is not a very good day to have a late sitting) are to take, I feel that, with the two Bills together, your Lordships may not he adjourning very early.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, as I told the noble Viscount when he had a word about it last week, of course we have a very full programme. The move from, I think, to-day, but certainly from another day, was dictated very largely in order to accommodate the Private Bill debate more easily, owing to its anticipated length. A good deal will depend upon the earlier debate. I think we must to some extent see how we get on, but I will certainly take note of what the noble Viscount has said.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.