LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGHMy Lords, I see the noble Earl, the First Commissioner of Works, in his place. May I ask if it will be convenient for him to make a statement as to the future course of business in this House?
THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (THE EARL OF CRAWFORD)My Lords, I can only make a statement about the next two or three days. I have to inform your Lordships that the Unemployment Insurance Bill is expected to pass through the House of Commons this evening, and the Department concerned, for technical reasons, is very anxious that the Bill should pass into law on Thursday next, upon which date the variations in the amounts to be paid in unemployment benefit mature. I therefore suggest to your Lordships that we should take the First and Second Readings of the Unemployment Insurance Bill to-morrow, and the remaining stages on Thursday. In that case it will be necessary for me, or rather for my noble friend, Lord Curzon, to-morrow, to move the consideration of the relevant Standing Orders, in order to allow the two stages to be taken in the same sitting.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I am afraid that I have not had an opportunity yet of studying the Bill, nor do I know what course would be open to your Lordships in regard to it. We receive with proper respect the announcement of the noble Earl, and I think he will allow us to consider what course we shall take, and will give us a few hours before we express any opinion.
THE EARL OF CRAWFORDI do not suggest that the noble Marquess should express any opinion now, because, as he says, he has not had an opportunity of studying the text of the measure. My noble friend, Lord Clarendon, will explain the measure completely to your Lordships.
808 Meanwhile, I shall give Notice, and your Lordships who desire to discuss the question of procedure, to-morrow, will of course exercise your judgment in doing so.