HL Deb 14 December 1922 vol 52 cc463-4
LORD BUCKMASTER

My Lords, I understand that the noble Marquess the. Deputy Leader of the House proposes to make some alteration as to the course of business to-morrow which he announced at the beginning of this sitting.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

My Lords, since I answered the question of the noble and learned Lord at the beginning of business to-day it has been conveyed to me—though I ought to have known it—that the rule of the House of Commons has changed in respect of Fridays, and that they now meet at eleven o'clock on Fridays, as they propose to do to-morrow. They have no business, I believe, and, as your Lordships have not amended this Bill, there will be no business for them to consider except some trifling Questions addressed to Ministers. Consequently, their business will be finished very shortly after eleven o'clock, and in that case they would have to wait a considerable time if we assembled at twelve o'clock. We should have to take the formal stages of the Consolidated Fund Bill and the Third Reading of the Importation of Animals Bill. The Members of the other House would have to wait about until we had finished in order to be able to attend when the Royal Commission summoned them to your Lordships' House. Therefore, a request has been made to me on their behalf that your Lordships would meet at eleven o'clock to-morrow instead of at twelve, and, if that meets the convenience of your Lordships, I will move accordingly.

Moved, that the House do now adjourn until to-morrow eleven o'clock.—(The Marquess of Salisbury.)

LORD BUCKMASTER

I imagine that your Lordships will be anxious to meet the convenience of the House of Commons. I also imagine that there will be no great difference in assembling at eleven o'clock or twelve.

On Question, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at twenty minute before six o'clock.