HL Deb 04 March 1924 vol 56 cc525-6
LORD NEWTON

My Lords, I rise to ask His Majesty's Government whether action has been or will be taken in order to carry out the recommendations contained in the Report recently issued by the Committee appointed to consider the release of the property of ex-enemy aliens in necessitous circumstances.

LORD PARMOOR

My Lords, I would ask the noble Lord, Lord Newton, having regard to the length of the previous debate, whether he might not think it better to ask this Question on Thursday. So far as I am concerned there are two or three Bills on the Paper for that day which could be postponed, since there is no special hurry for them. There are other Orders on the Paper which I cannot control, but it appears to me that if the noble Lord puts the Question on Thursday he will have a better opportunity, and I know that the noble and learned Lord, Lord Buckmaster, wishes to be present.

LORD NEWTON

I have very little to say on the subject myself, hut if it would suit the general convenience I shall be quite ready to put it off until Thursday next, on the understanding that an opportunity is given to raise the Question.

LORD PARMOOR

There will certainly be an opportunity, and I think at a convenient time, to raise the Question on Thursday.

LORD GORELL

Might I point out to the Lord President that the Committee stage of the Legitimacy Bill is down for Thursday, and that there are a great many Amendments which will take a considerable time?

LORD PARMOOR

I do not think it will take so very long, but I must leave it to the noble Lord to do what he thinks best. I think it will be better to postpone it, but, if he desires to put the Question now, I raise no objection.

LORD NEWTON

I am in the hands of the House, and, if the noble Lord wishes me to put off the Question until Thursday, I am quite ready to do so.