§ VISCOUNT MORLEY OF BLACKBURNMy Lords, I have now to ask your Lordships' attention to a circumstance which I am sure will be regretted in all parts of the House. It is that Lord Onslow, who has so long and with so much satisfaction to everybody concerned discharged the duties of Lord Chairman, has now come to the conclusion that he cannot resume the duties of that post after Easter. When my noble friend the Leader of the House moved that Lord Balfour of Burleigh should take the Chair during Lord Onslow's absence, I think we all understood that Lord Balfour did not contemplate continuing the occupancy of the Chair much beyond Easter. But at all events what may happen later may be left open. I now move that Lord Balfour be appointed to take the Chair in all Committees of this House from Easter until further order. That will give a little time to consider what would be the best course to take.
§ Moved, That the Lord Balfour be appointed to take the Chair in all Committees of this House from Easter until further order.—(Viscount Morley of Blackburn.)
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, though I have no right to speak for 1085 my noble friends around me I do not suppose that there will be [...]slightest objection to this Motion. W., are all deeply grateful to Lord Balfour for the assistance which he always gives us on these occasions. I understand from the noble Viscount that this is only a temporary arrangement until some other arrangement can be come to, and when a more permanent appointment comes under discussion a more important person than myself will occupy a seat on this Bench. I cordially assent to the present Motion.
§ VISCOUNT MORLEY OF BLACKBURNI ought to have added that I had the advantage of consulting Lord Lansdowne upon this Motion before he left the House.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.