HL Deb 17 June 1867 vol 187 cc1928-9
THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURY

With a view of facilitating the conduct of Public Business in this House, I wish to make a suggestion which has been long in my own mind, and which I have privately mentioned to many noble Lords at various times. I think it extremely desirable that we should make some arrangement under which this House may meet for the despatch of public business at four o'clock, instead of five. If I receive sufficient encouragement I shall take the liberty of moving the appointment of a Committee to inquire what arrangements may be made to carry out this object. I think there are many strong arguments in favour of this alteration, and none of these arguments are, in my opinion, stronger than that it would facilitate the coming forward of young men to take part in the business of this House. They would have opportunities of addressing your Lordships of which they are at present deprived; and I believe that in other respects such an alteration would do much to add to the efficiency of your Lordships' House. I therefore give notice that I shall on Friday next move that a Committee be appointed to consider whether arrangements cannot be made under which this House may meet for the despatch of business at four o'clock, or, at the latest, at half past four o'clock.