§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, before your Lordships adjourn, may I say that I understand that the noble Earl, Lord Beauchamp, would prefer that the Committee stage of the Teachers (Superannuation) Bill should not be taken tomorrow. I do not think the Bill is controversial, but I agree that to-morrow is rather an early day after the Second Reading, and if the noble Earl presses the matter we would postpone it. There is a little difficulty about Thursday because it happens to be very inconvenient for my noble friend who is in charge of the Bill to be in his place. If the noble Earl does not think that is essential, it could be moved in his absence, and as there are no Amendments, it would not be material, and we would put the Committee stage down for Thursday. I am, of course, entirely in your Lordships' hands.
§ EARL BEAUCHAMPMy Lords, I am obliged to the noble Marquess. He realises, I am sure, that it is a general principle in this House that a Bill should not be dealt with in Committee in the same week in which it has been read a second time. That was the only reason why I ventured to enter a slight caveat on this occasion. We recognise that it must be done especially at this time of year, and where it is altogether necessary we make no objection. But in this matter, especially as there are no Amendments, I do not mind which course is taken. If it is convenient we could take it on Thursday, although we should regret the absence of the noble Viscount who has charge of the Bill in your Lordships' House.
§ THE MARQUESS or SALISBURYThen we will put it down for Thursday.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before five o'clock.