§ Brought from the Commons, read 1a; and to be printed.
§ LORD MUIR MACKENZIEMy Lords, with reference to this Bill I desire to state that it relates to an Act of Parliament which will expire on Thursday, and I think it is probable that your Lordships, when I have had an opportunity of stating something about the nature of the Bill, will agree that it is necessary, even if we have to do the objectionable thing of suspending Standing Orders, that they should be suspended for the purpose of passing this Bill. It is a Bill which has gone through the House of Commons with general agreement as rapidly as possible, and I think it will be necessary to ask your Lordships to allow the suspension of Standing Orders in connection with it in this House.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYPerhaps the noble Lord, when he explains to us the reasons for the Bill, will also explain why it has been presented to Parliament so late as not to give proper opportunity to the House of Commons and your Lordships' House to consider it.
§ LORD MUIR MACKENZIECertainly; I shall be prepared to do that.