BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 26 October 1909)

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
As we have read the Development Bill a third time I understand that the noble Earl the Leader of the House will not desire that we should sit to-morrow. Perhaps he will answer that question, and possibly also give us some idea of the business which will come before the House when we reassemble after the adjournment.

§ THE EARL OF CREWE
My Lords, as we have fortunately been able to finish the Development Bill to-day I am able, with the concurrence of noble Lords opposite, to carry out the plan which I indicated on a former occasion—namely, that we should adjourn for a few days at the close of this sitting. As regards the day on which we should resume and the business to be taken on that day, I desire to consult the convenience of noble Lords opposite. I should propose to take the London Elections Bill either on the first day of meeting or a day or two later, whichever would best suit noble Lords. By the end of next week the Amendments both to the Housing and Town Planning Bill and the Irish Land Bill will. I understand, have been considered in another place, so that we should be in a position to consider any Amendments in the course of the week when we meet. Perhaps the noble Marquess could give me some indication as to the date on which he thinks it would be most convenient for us to resume. On the former occasion 480 I mentioned the 8th. I do not know whether the noble Marquess would desire to adhere to that, or whether in his opinion the state of business would admit of our adjourning to as late as the 10th.

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
I think we are, upon the whole, inclined to suggest that we should reassemble on the 8th, and we see no objection to the noble Earl's proposal that the London Elections Bill should be the first business to come before us after the adjournment. With regard to subsequent business, perhaps it would be hardly possible for us at this moment to give any opinion without knowing what the fate of the measures to which the noble Earl has referred is likely to be in the House of Commons. I understand from the noble Earl that he expects the Housing and Town Planning Bill and the Irish Land Bill to be taken by the House of Commons next week?

§ THE EARL OF CREWE
Yes, I understand that the Housing and Town Planning Bill is likely to be taken on Monday. I am not quite certain about the Irish Land Bill, but I understand the Housing Bill is, at any rate, to be taken on Monday.

§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE
Then I think it will be for His Majesty's Government to put those measures down upon whatever date they think suitable.

§ THE EARL OF CREWE
I shall be happy to fall in with the suggestion of the noble Marquess, and we will therefore, if noble Lords opposite agree, adjourn till Monday the 8th of November, and take the London Elections Bill on that day.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR
I hope it will be understood that the judicial business of the House will not be adjourned.