§ LORD JAMES OF HEREFORDMy Lords, I should like to ask the noble Earl the President of the Council whether he cannot allow a longer interval before taking the Second Reading of the Bill which he introduced last night enabling women to sit on public bodies. The Bill is down for Second Reading on 30th May, two days after we reassemble, but in view of the importance of the debate that will take place upon it, I think a little longer time should be allowed.
THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (The EARL OF) CREWEMy Lords, I need not say that I am entirely in the hands of the House in this matter. Although the subject-matter of the Bill is important, it is an exceedingly short Bill; it is by no means of an intricate character, and the points to be debated, although, of course, of great importance, are not numerous. However, if the noble and learned Lord desires to have the Second Reading postponed for a short time, and noble Lords opposite agree with him, I will certainly put it down for a later day.
§ THE EARL OF HALSBURYAlthough I quite follow what the noble Earl says as to its being a short Bill, still there is considerable difference of opinion in regard to it, and I think the day proposed for taking the Second Reading is a little too soon after the House reassembles.
§ THE EARL OF CREWEI will put the Bill down for a later day.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Five o'clock, till To-morrow, half-past Ten o'clock.