§ EARL BEAUCHAMPMy Lords, on behalf of my noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor I beg to move the Motion which stands in his name.
§ Moved, That leave be given for the Report of Amendments (which stands appointed for Monday next) to be advanced to Friday next.—(Earl Beauchamp.)
§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEI shall be obliged to the noble Earl if he will give us some explanation of the unusual course which he proposes to adopt. The Report stage of the Bill was put down for Monday next, and now a Motion is made to take it to-morrow instead. Of course, people are bound to draw their own conclusions from so remarkable a change in the time-table, and unless I am asking an indiscreet question I should like to have it explained.
§ EARL BEAUCHAMPMy noble and learned friend wished to have the Report stage taken to-day, and it was only in deference to a wish expressed by a noble and learned Lord below the Gangway (Lord Parmoor) that it was postponed till next week. There is reason to believe that your Lordships' House will not be sitting during next week, and should that prove to be the case it is very desirable that the Bill should be finished now and not remain over for consideration at another period.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.