HL Deb 01 September 1880 vol 256 cc962-4
THE EARL OF REDESDALE (CHAIR-MAN of COMMITTEES)

said, the House was anxious to know on what day it was proposed to take into consideration the Commons' Amendments to the Burials Bill?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

said, he was sorry to learn that there had not been, as he supposed, an understanding arrived at on the subject. He had been under the impression that an understanding had been arrived at last night. He had received a telegram from the Archbishop of Canterbury stating that it would be impossible for him to be present, without great inconvenience, on Thursday or Friday. That telegram he received yesterday morning, and he communicated with the Archbishop, who replied that if the Bill could be fixed for Saturday it would be convenient to him. He informed the Archbishop that he would endeavour to ascertain whether that day would suit the convenience of the House; and he understood last night that an assurance had been received from the other side of the House that the arrangement would be convenient. He accordingly wrote to the two Archbishops that it was proposed to take the Commons Amendments at 2 o'clock on Saturday. If that was not understood by those who ought to have been consulted, he could only express his very great regret.

THE EARL OF BEACONSFIELD

said, that no communication had been made to him on the subject, and he did not think that Saturday would be a convenient day for the majority of their Lordships to meet. He should regret the absence of the Archbishops; but he thought the question of Public Business at this time was even of more importance than the presence of the Archbishops.

THE EARL OF REDESDALE (CHAIRMAN of COMMITTEES)

pointed out that it would be very inconvenient to fix Saturday in the event of their Lordships disagreeing with the Commons' Amendments, and it might delay the Prorogation.

EARL SPENCER

said, the Leader of the House had left under the impression that the arrangement to take the Burials Bill on Saturday had been agreed to on both sides of the House. Although the noble Earl the Leader of the Opposition was not present last night, the noble Duke (the Duke of Richmond and Gordon) and the noble Viscount (Viscount Cranbrook) were, and it was understood with them that the Bill was fixed for Saturday. He hoped that there would be no disagreement between the two Houses on the Amendments; but, should that unfortunately be the case, there would be ample time for a Conference with the other House on Monday before the Prorogation.

THE EARL OF BEACONSFIELD

was under the impression that his noble Friend (Viscount Cranbrook) had not agreed to the arrangement.

LORD MONSON

said, that, as he was chosen to be the medium of communication, it was, perhaps, his fault if there were any misunderstanding. The noble Duke certainly told him that he was about to leave town; and, when he spoke to the noble Viscount about it, he laughed in his good-natured way, and said—"Very well; I shall not be present myself." The noble Earl who led the Opposition was not in the House at the time.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

was most anxious that the convenience of their Lordships should be consulted. If the noble Earl (the Earl of Redesdale) thought that the reasons why the Bill should be considered on Friday instead of Saturday were preponderating the Government would not think it right to stand in the way, although it would be unfortunate if the Archbishops, and possibly some of the Bishops, should not be able to be present.

THE EARL OF REDESDALE (CHAIRMAN of COMMITTEES)

was satisfied the majority of their Lordships would prefer to consider the Commons' Amendments on Friday rather than on Saturday.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

said, the Government would consent to take the subject on Friday, and he would communicate with the Archbishops on the subject.