§ THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, in consequence of what took place in the House of Commons last night I desire to give a notice respecting my Motion which is down on the Paper for Monday next. I understand that on Monday next His Majesty's Government will be in a state of suspended animation until a certain vote of the House of Commons has been rescinded, if, indeed, it be in existence at all. In either case, there will not be on Monday any Government, capable of advising the House with sufficient authority upon the important matters which I propose to bring before it. Therefore, it would be more respectful to the House that I should postpone the Motion of which I have given notice till a later day. I understand that Tuesday will not be in all respects convenient to your Lordships, and the Aliens Bill has been put down for Thursday next. If it were not a matter of urgency to proceed with the Aliens Bill on Thursday, it is possible that the Government might, with general consent, take my Motion on that day. In the absence of my noble friend the Leader of the House, no decision can be come to at the moment. It must be settled at a later period of the proceedings.
§ The LORD CHANCELLOR (The Earl of HALSBURY)With regard to the noble Duke's notice of Motion, he will do as he pleases about it; but I rather protest against the only alternative he presented to your Lordships as to what might take place on Monday.