HL Deb 28 May 1906 vol 158 cc20-1

Moved, that the following Lords be named of the Select Committee, viz., E. Dartmouth, V. Selby, L. Bp. Ripon, L. Aberdare, L. Heneage.—(Lord Denman.)

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

My Lords, before the Motion is put I desire to say one word with regard to the proposed constitution of the Committee. No one could for a moment take exception to the names of the five Peers on the Paper, but I observe that the noble Lord who moved for the Committee is not to have a place upon it, and that it comprises no one representing or connected with His Majesty's Government. In an inquiry of this kind, it has, I think, always been usual for the Poor who moved for the inquiry to take a part in it. Presumably, before moving for a Committee that Peer had made himself thoroughly aware of the general bearing of the case, and he is therefore able to some extent to bring it before the Committee, and to guide their deliberations. If there is any particular reason for which the Peer who moved for the Committee cannot take part in it, then one would rather have expected that some noble Lord connected with the Government and in relation with the Home Office would have been given a place upon the Committee. I think it worth calling the attention of the House to this matter, and I invite an explanation.

LORD REAY

As regards my not being included on this Committee, I should like to say that it is at my own request. The matter is not an intricate one, and the Peers who are proposed to be appointed to serve on this Select Committee are quite competent and able to deal with it. I hope the noble Marquess will accept that explanation as satisfactory.

THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH

My Lords, I should like to ask what will be the terms of reference) to the Committee when it is appointed. I understand that the Committee will meet to-morrow. I shall not be able to be present at that meeting, but I should like to know, if possible, what the terms of reference are to be, and whether the Committee will have to consider this Bill and suggest Amendments or whether they will report on the whole question.

THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (The Earl of CREWE)

My Lords, I am disposed to join in the regret expressed by the noble Marquess opposite that my noble friend Lord Reay did not feel himself able to join the Committee. Perhaps in the circumstances it might be satisfactory to the noble Marquess if the Motion were to stand over for a day, in which case we might consider the whole subject further.

On Question, debate adjourned.