HL Deb 08 June 1883 vol 280 cc2-3
THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I observe, from the Votes of the other House that have been laid upon the Table, that there are two measures at present before that House, which I suppose have a reasonable prospect of reaching this House. One of them is the Agricultural Holdings (England) Bill, and the other the Parliamentary Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Bill. With regard to the latter, I observe on the Notice Paper a crop of Amendments, very voluminous in character, proceeding chiefly from those hon. Members for the Sister Country, who add so much richness and volume to the debates of the other House. It is probable, therefore, that it will occupy the attention of the other House for a considerable time, perhaps for some weeks, and it is a Bill which chiefly concerns the other House, though not exclusively so. The Agricultural Holdings (England) Bill, on the contrary, is a Bill of general interest, and is one in which this House is quite as much interested as the other; and it would certainly be a great convenience that it should reach your Lordships' House in time for adequate discussion and examination. It is a Bill which consists mainly of details which it is desirable to examine and discuss. I wish, therefore, to ask the noble Earl opposite (Earl Granville) whether the proceedings of the Government in the other House could be so ordered that the Agricultural Holdings Bill, to which our attention should be particularly directed, should reach this House first? It would be a convenience, if it could be so arranged.

EARL GRANVILLE

My Lords, the noble Marquess gave me Notice of the Question, and I have communicated with Mr. Gladstone and some of my Colleagues in the other House. There is a general desire to meet the wish of the noble Marquess; but I find that there would be some inconvenience in departing from the order in which the House is engaged in considering the Bills. At the same time, with regard to both Bills, no effort shall be wanting to bring them, at the earliest time possible, under the consideration of your Lordships.