§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, with your Lordships' permission, I desire to say one word in respect to an answer that I made to my noble friend Earl Beauchamp a few days ago, with regard to the Easter adjournment. I think your Lordships will remember that it was the intention of the Government to ask the House to sit until Thursday of next week, and then adjourn until April 10. Since that statement was made, however, we have been informed that there is no judicial business arranged for your Lordships' House before April 17, and it also appears from an inspection of the Order Papers that there is no other business for the preceding week, and the Government thought perhaps that in those circumstances it would not be considered in any way improper if we did not assemble until April 17. Therefore, with the permission of the House, that is the Motion for adjournment which will be submitted.
§ THE EARL OF BIRKENHEADA very welcome announcement, I think.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI ought perhaps to say that between now and the adjournment some question of public business might arise which would necessitate our making a change, but the period of adjournment will probably be as I have stated it.