§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEMy Lords, I beg to ask the noble Earl the Leader of the House whether he is able to give us any information as to the course of business during the next few days.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF CREWE)My Lords, I do not know that I can give the House any very definite information as to the course of business during the next few days. We have not, I think, to expect any business from the House of Commons of importance during the next few days, but I understand that the general line which business takes in another place leads us to hope that it may be possible to terminate this part of the session before the end of the month. It is hoped, as I understand, that one important business which will concern us here—namely, the question of the King's Accession Declaration—will be completed in another place in the last few days of the month. I should hope that, although the subject is one, I know, which is of profound interest to your Lordships, it will not involve any very extended discussion here, and in that case we also may be able to rise on the last days of the present month.
LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGHI do not wish to intervene, but there is one Bill which was not mentioned by the noble Earl—namely, the Regency Bill. If report speaks truly, a very serious change affecting Scottish interests has been made in that Bill, and I hope ample time will be given for the consideration of it when it comes to this House.
§ THE EARL OF CREWEI am grateful to the noble Lord for reminding me. That Bill, I hope, will come here, I cannot say within a. few days, but certainly within time which will enable full discussion to be given to it if it is thought desirable.
LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGHI can only speak again with the permission of the House, but I would venture to express the hope that in the form in which the Bill now stands its passing will not be regarded as a pure matter of form.