§ LORD GAINFORDOn this Motion may I ask the noble Earl a question with regard to the business of the House for next week. I understand that it is anticipated that the Ministry of Mines Bill will be brought from another place to-night, and, in that event, that it will be read a first time tomorrow in your Lordships' House. It will be to the general convenience of those who are interested in the question if the noble Earl could indicate when the Second Reading, and still more when the Committee stage, would be taken.
THE EARL OF CRAWFORDMy Lords, I wish I were in a position to give my noble friend definite information upon the subject. Our expectation, however, is that this Bill will reach us from another place to-night, and be read a first time in order that we can take the Second Reading, if possible, on Tuesday next. As regards the further stage, on Thursday probably the greater portion of the sitting will be devoted to a debate on the Duke of Northumberland's Motion about the situation in Ireland. I should, therefore, greatly hope that it may be possible for us to begin the Committee stage of the Mines Bill at any rate on Wednesday, August 4. If, however, that proves inconvenient to Lord Gainford and other noble Lords who are well versed in the subject, we will try to meet them as best we can. I cannot, however, at present go definitely beyond Tuesday as the most likely day for the Second Reading.
LORD GAIN FORDMay I say that so far as my friends are concerned, and so far as I personally am concerned, we would take no exception to the Bill being put down for Committee stage on Wednesday if the Government thought that was not too soon after the Second Reading.
THE EARL OF CRAWFORDMy only desire is to consult the convenience of the House, and if that is Lord Gainford's opinion I am very much indebted to him.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
649§ [From. Minutes of July 28.]