§ * THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEMy Lords, I understand that it is necessary that the Finance Bill should pass through all its stages to-morrow by half-past five in consequence of the arrangements of the other House of Parliament. In those circumstances I would venture to suggest that the House should meet for public business at three o'clock.
§ EARL SPENCERMy Lords, I am surprised to hear from the noble Marquess that it is necessary that this Bill should pass through all its stages and receive the Royal Assent by half-past five tomorrow. The noble Marquess courteously informed me of this proposal yesterday, and I do not oppose it personally, as I prefer this arrangement to having to sit to-night, which I understood was the alternative. I do, however, protest against what I call the indignity shown to the House by the presentation of the Bill at such a late period of the session, and the forcing it through all its stages at one short sitting. I shall make that protest to-morrow, and, of course, I have no control over other speakers who, acting within their right, may occupy considerable time, and in that way the object of the noble Marquess may be defeated.