HL Deb 21 March 1918 vol 29 cc558-9

House in Committee (according to Order), Bill reported without amendment.

Moved (Standing Order No. XXXIX having been suspended), That the Bill be now read 3a.—(Lord Hylton.)

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I think there is really no reason whatever for this hurry. This is an ordinary piece of legislation, there is nothing urgent about it, and it has nothing to do with the war. There has been no kind of explanation given to the House why the Bill should be passed. I have no doubt it is a good Bill, but there has been no kind of defence for it at all.

EARL CURZON OF KEDLESTON

Did not the Lord Privy Seal give it? I think he did, and I read it this morning in the OFFICIAL REPORT of our yesterday's proceedings.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

At any rate, there is no ground for suspending the Standing Order in respect of a Bill of this kind. There is a real danger of its becoming the ordinary practice to suspend our rules, and there is no reason for it except in regard to urgent matters, when we are most willing to do so.

EARL CURZON OF KEDLESTON

I respect the noble Marquess's anxiety to stand up on all occasions for the privileges of the House, but I think he is mistaken. He was mistaken about no explanation of the Bill having been given. I do not know whether it was adequate, but it was given to the House by the Lord Privy Seal yesterday.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

The Lord Privy Seal is not here.

EARL CURZON OF KEDLESTON

No, he is not here at this moment, but when I gave notice of my intention to move the suspension of the Standing Order, although I did not mention this Bill, I said that my Motion did apply to all the Bills on the Paper, including this one, and I am informed that it is of great importance to get it passed without delay. It is also in the Royal Commission, and to take it out at this stage would be an unusual and inconvenient proceeding. Therefore, unless stronger reasons are advanced I hope your Lordships will allow the suspension of the Standing Order to apply to this Bill.

LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGH

I remember the Lord Privy Seal making his statement yesterday and saying that the Bill was a matter of some urgency, especially for the hours of war marriages in Ireland. I remember him distinctly saying that it was a matter of considerable urgency.

On Question, Bill read 3a and passed.