§ EARL GREY had given Notice to move that leave be given for his Motion for the Second Reading of the Importation of Foreign Animals Bill [H.L.] (now standing for Thursday next) to be advanced to Wednesday next. The noble Earl said: My Lords, it has been suggested to me that an important debate is down for Thursday, and that the Bill which I have introduced stands in its way. Possibly, therefore, your Lordships might be willing to give me leave to move the Second Reading of the Importation of Foreign Animals Bill on Wednesday, and I beg to move the Motion that stands in my name.
§ LORD BUCKMASTERMy Lords, the noble Earl has no doubt kindly referred to a communication which passed between him and myself. Your Lordships will observe that on Thursday there is a Motion to which some members of the House will undoubtedly attach importance. On three separate occasions whips have been issued asking the attendance of noble Lords for the purpose of hearing that discussion, and on each occasion, through no fault whatever on my part, circumstances have interfered to prevent the Motion being discussed. It was again on the Paper for Thursday next when the noble Earl put down his Bill which, of course, has precedence over the Motion according to the rules of the House. I took the unusual course of pointing out to him that there was a possibility that the debate may have to be again postponed and asked him whether he could choose another day for his Bill. I have not had any communication from him, but I thank him most sincerely for his courtesy.
THE EARL OF CRAWFORDMy Lords, I do not take the smallest objection to the noble Earl's Motion, but I doubt if it is possible for the Bill to be passed through all its stages before Easter. I fancy that Amendments may be required. I feel that what Lord Buckmaster has said conveys an element of rebuke to myself, which I acknowledge, and if it is the desire of the House generally, I will move on Thursday next that Lord Buckmaster's Motion have precedence over all other business. He was to have precedence last Thursday, but the noble Marquess the Leader of the House was unable, at the last moment, on Wednesday to make his statement on 1061 foreign affairs, and it was therefore my own colleague, the Leader of the House, who has intervened between Lord Buckmaster and reparations. If it is the general wish of your Lordships that Lord Buckmaster should have precedence on Thursday, I will put down a Motion to that effect.
§ LORD BUCKMASTERI am much obliged to the noble Earl.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.