THE MARQUESS OF CREWEMy Lords, may I ask whether the noble Earl is able to say what business is likely to come before your Lordships' House during the next few days, and, if possible, during next week.
THE EARL OF CRAWFORDMy Lords, yesterday I informed your Lordships that the Government of Ireland Bill was expected in the course of a few hours. My proposal that the Second Reading debate should be commenced on Thursday, November 18, was unacceptable. I therefore suggest that the Second Reading should begin on Tuesday, November 23, and continue as long as your Lordships think necessary. My noble friend Viscount Peel is most anxious that progress should be made on the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Bill, a measure upon which gigantic sums' of money, in which the State is concerned, depend. I therefore invite your Lordships to meet on Monday, November 15, at the usual time in order to take the Second Reading of that Bill. If possible, we should like to get the Committee stage on the following Thursday. We are precluded from taking it on Tuesday, as that day is particularly reserved for an important statement initiated by the Marquess of Crewe on the question of Persia. There is no business of any consequence on the Paper for to-morrow, and I think it would be for the general convenience of the House if we adjourned until Monday next, except of course for judicial business. I beg to move accordingly.
§ Moved, That the House do adjourn, except for judicial business, until Monday next.—(The Earl of Cranford.)
THE MARQUESS OF CREWECan the noble Earl say on what date the Agriculture Bill may be expected?
§ LORD CAWLEYCan the noble Earl tell us when the Report stage of the Patent Medicines Bill will be taken?
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ [From Minutes of November 9.]
§ The Lord ORMATHWAITE—Sat first in Parliament after the death of his father.