§ THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (The Earl of MORLEY) moved that the consideration of the Third Report of the Select Committee on the House of Lords Offices be agreed to. He felt sure that the House would share the feelings of regret and sorrow expressed by the Committee at the loss of Mr. Bethell, who for more than 30 years filled faithfully and ably the office of one of the Clerks at the Table. He was also sure that their Lordships would readily and gladly adopt the language expressing the regret of the Committee.
§ * EARL STANHOPEsaid, there was one point in connection with the appointment of Mr. Bethell's successor which deserved notice. The promotion of the Head Clerk of the House of Lords to the Table would result in this, that no sooner was he appointed than probably he would be compelled by the rules of superannuation of the Civil Service to retire. It took some considerable time to become acquainted with the rules and procedure of their Lordships' House, though they were not so complicated as in another place; and he hoped that an exception would be made as to the appointment at the Table.
§ Report agreed to, with Amendments, and to be printed as amended.—[No. 101.]