THE EARL OF PLYMOUTHMy Lords, before the Motion for the adjournment of the House is put, may I make an appeal to the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack, who is in charge of the Coal Mines Agreement (Confirmation) Bill, to consider before the next stage of the Bill is taken the point I raised earlier in the evening. I would remind the Lord Chancellor that the Solicitor-General in the other House gave an undertaking to consider a form of words in connection with Clause 1, and I trust that the noble and learned Lord will not think it inconvenient, or the delay too long, if the Bill is put off until the week following that for which the next stage is fixed.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I should like the noble Earl to consider whether it would not be better to see if the parties interested cannot state at once what they wish to be done. My experience is that the granting of longer time does not always tend to a more efficient conduct of business. I would ask the noble Earl to allow next Thursday to stand for the further consideration of the Bill. Then if he finds that there is a general desire for further time, and if the arrangements of the House admit of an extension of time being granted, an application to that effect might be seriously considered.
§ Moved, That the House do adjourn until Tuesday next.—(The Earl of Crawford.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ House adjourned at half-past six o'clock.