HL Deb 15 March 1869 vol 194 c1309

EARL GRANVILLE moved that a Select Committee be appointed— To consider whether any facilities can be given for the despatch of business in Parliament, especially in regard to the relations of the two Houses.

THE EARL OF DERBY

thought it comparatively immaterial whether the object in view was effected by means of a Bill or by a Joint Committee of the two Houses; but, as much must depend on the view taken by the Government, he wished to know whether they agreed in the desirability of remedying the evil complained of—namely, the paucity of Business before their Lordships at the commencement of a Session, and the undue pressure of Business at the close?

EARL GRANVILLE

said, he thought it best not to enter into the subject prior to its consideration by the Committee; but he could assure the noble Earl that the Government were anxious to discover, through the medium of the Committee, some mode of remedying the evils complained of.

Motion agreed to.

Select Committee appointed, such Committee to consist of six Lords, three to be a quorum, "To consider whether any facilities can be given for the despatch of business in Parliament, especially in regard to the relations of the two Houses."—(The Earl Granville.)

The following Lords named members of the Committee:

M. Salisbury V. Eversley
E. Derby V. Halifax
E. Granville L. Redesdale

And a message sent to the Commons to acquaint them that this House has appointed a committee of six Lords to join with a committee of the Commons "To consider whether any facilities can be given for the despatch of business in Parliament, especially in regard to the relations of the two Houses;" and to request that the Commons will be pleased to appoint an equal number of members to be joined with the members of this House.