THE EARL OF ROSEBERYMy Lords, I was sorry not to be in my place yesterday when the question arose as to the time when the Resolutions standing in my name should be brought forward. I have taken every opportunity to-day and previously during the week to find out what would be most to the convenience of noble Lords generally, and I understand that if I were to give notice for next Monday, as I had at one time thought of doing, if I received encouragement, that would be considered too short a notice. I have, therefore, put the Resolutions down for the first day of the meeting of the House of Lords after the recess. I see by the report of what passed yesterday that my noble friend opposite proposes to take the Government's Resolutions as soon as possible after the recess. But I think he will agree that it is better that our Resolutions should have priority in our own House, more especially as they have been for some time on the Paper and as in any case the postponement cannot be for more than two or three days after the time that he had originally contemplated.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF CREWE)My Lords, I do not desire to take any exception to what my noble friend has said, subject, of course, to the fact that we are anxious to proceed as soon as possible after the recess with the discussion of our own proposals, and on the understanding that the time named by my noble friend—two or three days—is not likely at any rate to be greatly exceeded.
§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEMy Lords, I venture to think the proposal made by my noble friend on the Cross Benches is one which will suit the general convenience of the House. We on this Bench were fully prepared to take the Resolutions next week had my noble friend so desired. My noble friend, however—I think rightly—felt that the question was one in which the body of Peers had naturally a great interest, and that it would not be fair to them to take the discussion at a time when many of them might find it impossible to attend. My noble friend, I understand, has made inquiries which have satisfied him that if he had given notice to-night of his intention to take the Resolutions next Monday, that would not have been regarded as sufficient notice by many of those who desire to be present.
House to be again in Committee to consider the best means of reforming its existing organisation so as to constitute a strong and efficient Second Chamber on the first sitting day after the Recess at Whitsuntide.