HL Deb 25 March 1919 vol 33 cc994-6

Returned from the Commons, with certain of the Lords Amendments agreed to, and certain of the Lords Amendments disagreed to.

THE EARL OF CRAWFORD

It is suggested that the Commons Amendments to the Lords Amendments to this Bill should be taken to-morrow.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I see no reason why that should not be done. I do not know in what order the Government propose to tab; business to-morrow, but I presume this would come at the end of business. I hope the noble Earl will not think that I desire to be inconvenient, but it might happen that the debate on the Motion which stands in the name of Lord Desborough might be carried on so late that it might be inconvenient to take the Commons Amendments then. In those circumstances we might perhaps properly ask the Government not to take the Amend ments supposing the other debate should be prolonged. It is obvious that the important debate on what I think is called the "Slough Scandal"—

THE EARL OF CRAWFORD

"Government works at Slough."

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

Yes; "Government works at Slough"—it is possible that that debate may last very late, and in that case perhaps the Government will keep an open mind on the point as to taking the Increase of Rent Bill.

THE EARL OF CRAWFORD

Lord Desborough's Motion was put down a good many days ago, and I am sure it would be inconvenient to him if the debate were postponed. I understand that there are a number of noble Lords who desire to take part in it. I am not so much frightened about Lord Desborough's Motion as I am about the Motion which follows it, in the name of Lord Parmoor, dealing with conscientious objectors. The Duke of Marlborough's Motion with regard to Papers on agricultural matters has been put off until some time in April. I would like to suggest that we should do our best to take the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restriction Bill to-morrow. I am quite sure that we shall be able to get through the two Motions in time to enable the House to deal with this Bill as well. Important as both these Motions are they are general and not specific in their terms, as no question of date is involved.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

Perhaps the noble Earl will allow me to communicate with him privately on the subject, if there is any difficulty?

THE EARL OF CRAWFORD

I am reminded that there is no Judicial business to-morrow, and if your Lordships care to sit at 4 o'clock I will make a Motion to that effect.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

No notice having been given, that course might be very difficult for noble Lords who are coming from the country and who are anxious to attend the debate on Lord Desborough's Motion. If the noble Earl will allow me to communicate with him, if there is anything else to be said, I should consider it a great honour.

THE EARL OF CRAWFORD

I will move that we adjourn until the normal hour to-morrow, and I hope that expedition with regard to the debate on Lord Desborough's Motion may enable us to complete all the Orders on the Paper.

Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.