§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, it might be for the convenience of your Lordships if I were to mention what is familiarly known as the Eight Hours Bill—the Coal Mines Bill. I understand that, in all probability, the Bill will be 615 read a second time this evening in the House of Commons and will pass through all its stages before the end of the week. In that event His Majesty's Government would be very anxious that the Bill should be put upon the Statute Book with the least possible delay and, therefore, that it should be taken in your Lordship's House almost immediately. I hope that I might venture to ask your Lordships to read it a first time either on Thursday night or on Friday and to take the Second Beading on Monday next. I trust that will be convenient to your Lordships.