§ 3.34 p.m.
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ BARONESS SUMMERSKILLMy Lords, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill I should like to make it quite clear that I am not asking your Lordships to commit yourselves immediately to the prohibition of professional boxing without a careful examination of every aspect of the business. Therefore, in the event of my securing a Second Reading, I propose to move that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND MINISTER FOR SCIENCE (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)My Lords, I do not know whether it will 346 help the noble Lady—I am willing to follow whatever is to her convenience—but I have just heard that this is the moment at which I could conveniently make the statement on the docks situation. As she has not deeply embarked upon her speech, I wonder whether she might feel that this would be the best plan. Otherwise it might disturb the flow of debate. But if she would prefer to continue——
§ BARONESS SUMMERSKILLMy Lords, I should much prefer that the noble Viscount makes the statement now.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMI am much obliged to the noble Lady; I myself think that this is the more convenient course.