Deb 01 August 1924 vol 59 cc266-8
THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (VISCOUNT CHELMSFORD):

I suggest that the Commons Message with regard to the London Traffic Bill be considered on Tuesday next, if that is convenient to your Lordships.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY:

That is a matter for the Government to decide. I should almost have thought, however, that, in case there was any further difference between the two Houses, it would have been better to have taken this business on Monday. But that is a matter for the Government.

VISCOUNT CHELMSFORD:

The Order Paper will be very full on Monday. We have got the Committee on the Housing Bill, and now the Committee on the Agricultural Wages Bill.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY:

I was not aware of that. If the noble Viscount will permit me, I should have thought it was impossible to take the Committee stage of the Agricultural Wages Bill until Tuesday. After all, noble Lords must have time to put their Amendments on the Paper. I do not know what noble Lords behind me think about it.

LORD THOMSON:

May I explain to the noble Marquess that it was by arrangement with the mover of these two Amendments that the London Traffic Bill was postponed until Tuesday next? The noble Lord, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, is responsible for both of the Amendments to the London Traffic Bill on which there will be any discussion, and for that reason it was postponed.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY:

That is a good reason, and I will not interfere, of course, with that arrangement. I quite understand it. I am, however, rather surprised that the noble Viscount proposes to take the Committee stage of the Agricultural Wages Bill on that day, which means that that Bill and the Housing Bill will be considered in Committee on the one day.

VISCOUNT CHELMSFORD:

I can only say that I understood that was the arrangement come to by the Lord President. I thought he was in the House, but apparently he is not.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY:

I am afraid that we have never heard of it on this side. My noble friend has suggested to me that the House will be technically in session after the Royal Commission and, perhaps, the noble and learned Lord, the Lord President, would make a statement then as to the exact condition of business.

VISCOUNT CHELMSFORD:

I will see what arrangement can be made to suit noble Lords opposite. I am not at all sure that the Lord President is now in the precincts of the House.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY:

I will confer with the noble Viscount upon the matter between now and the Royal Commission.

House adjourned during pleasure.

House resumed.