THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGH)My Lords, with regard to the three Bills on the Paper, I propose to move that they be read a third time, but that can only be done by the suspension of Standing Order No. 143. This Standing Order simply provides that the print of the Bill must be lodged with the Government Department three days before the Bill is read a third time. That is impossible if these Bills are to get the Royal Assent before Parliament adjourns. The Departments concerned are thoroughly aware of all that has been done and the print will be lodged the third day, a but it will not be before the Third Reading. It is quite a usual thing to suspend the Standing Order at this period of the session, and I ask your Lordships to do so.
§ Moved, That Standing Order No. 143 be dispensed with in respect of the said Bills.—(Lord Balfour of Burleigh.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ Bills read 3a with the Amendments, and passed, and returned to the Commons.