HL Deb 24 June 1895 vol 34 cc1743-4
THE EARL OF ROSEBERY

I move that the sitting of the House to-morrow do commence at a Quarter past Four.

THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWN

On that Motion I wish to ask a question with reference to a Bill of considerable interest, and with regard to which your Lordships seem to be unaware of the course to be taken. I should like to ask whether the Deceased Wife's Sister Bill is to be taken to-morrow.

THE DUKE OF ST. ALBANS

In the absence of my noble Friend, Lord Dunraven, it is impossible to give a direct answer, but it seems to me that this is not a contentious Bill, and a valuable discussion on the subject might take place. As regards the supporters of the Bill, we are perfectly prepared to go on with it if the House sits for business to-morrow.

THE EARL OF ROSEBERY

I rather envy the reasoning faculty by which my noble Friend is able to arrive at the conclusion that the Bill in question is non-contentious. It has torn the House into two violent factions ever since I have had any experience of the House, and, speaking as I do for myself in rather hampered circumstances, I should certainly deprecate the Deceased Wife's Sister Bill being taken under the head of non-contentious business.

THE DUKE OF ST. ALBANS

I used the expression purely in the party sense.

THE EARL OF CRANBROOK

I believe that in all cases of a similar kind, when there is no Government actually working and sitting with the power of a Government, it is usual that Bills that are discussable should be suspended—at all events for a time.

THE DUKE OF ST. ALBANS

In that case I will communicate with Lord Dunraven, and the Bill will not come on to-morrow.