HL Deb 08 December 1925 vol 62 cc1186-8

"Report from the Special Orders Committee that no petition has been presented praying to be heard against the Special Order, but that in the case of the Holley District Gas Company there were special reasons why a petition was not presented against the Special Order: read and ordered to lie on the Table."

Except that they say that there were special reasons why the Gas Company did not petition, no guidance is given to your Lordships as to what course you should take. My noble friend the Chairman of Committees has, of course, explained that the reason why no petition was presented was that this Company considered that as they had laid their ease fully before the Private Bill Committee it was not necessary to say it all over again.

But that does leave an uncomfortable feeling with all of us that we have not had the guidance from the Special Orders Committee which at any rate, had hoped we should always have. I am not criticising the Committee, but that is the position in -which we stand. That adds to my desire not, if I may use so colloquial an expression, to rush your Lordships if there is any desire in any quarter of the House to have a little more time. If the matter goes to a Division of course His Majesty's Government will support the Ministry of Transport, and I hope that my friends will do the same, but if there is any desire to have an adjournment, in order that a little further consideration may be given to the matter, I shall not resist it.

LORD PARMOOR

My Lords, I should like to say one word in answer to the noble Marquess the Leader of the House, especially as in the old days I was very much concerned with what he calls the judicial side of the House as regards inquiries before Committees. For my part I think we should meet in accepting the suggestion of the Lord Chairman. That not only provides for delay, but it allows the whole judicial atmosphere to be reinstated on a proper basis. We get, rid of suggestions on the one side or the other. I do not know whether it is in order for the Lord Chairman to propose what he has brought before us as an Amendment in order that we should not only have delay but also put the matter to be decided upon a true judicial basis.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I suggest to the noble and learned Lord that it would be much easier to decide upon the Lord Chairman's suggestion if we had a day or two in which to consider it.

LORD PARMOOR

To that I make no objection at all, but it did appear to me that the Lord Chairman's suggestion was a solution on a judicial basis. Whether it should be moved to-day, or at a future time, is a matter for the Leader of the House.

EARL BEAUCHAMP

My Lords, I have very much pleasure in responding to the practical invitation of the Leader of the House to move the adjournment of the debate for a few days. I will move it for whatever length of time is thought to be desirable—for a few days or till this day week. I agree that there is difficulty in a matter of this kind. Nobody likes to vote against a Department of the Government, and still less against a Committee of this House, who have heard the matter at great sacrifice of time and convenience, and it is a general rule of your Lordships' House to support your Committees. Still more it is our rule to support the Lord Chairman. Indeed, it is quite unknown to me that a suggestion made by our Lord Chairman should not be accepted at once, and generally, by the House. The noble Marquess has suggested a little delay to enable us to come to an agreement, and I am very glad to adopt his suggestion. I move that the debate be adjourned till this day week.

Moved, That the debate be adjourned until Tuesday next.—(Earl Beauchamp.)

On Question, Motion agreed to, and debate adjourned accordingly.