HL Deb 24 March 1926 vol 63 cc794-5

Order of the Day for the House to be put into Committee read.

THE PAYMASTER-GENERAL (THE DUKE OF SUTHERLAND)

My Lords, do I understand that the noble Earl, Lord Beauchamp, would like some delay before the Committee Stage of this Bill is taken?

EARL BEAUCHAMP

My Lords, the Second Reading of this Bill was taken only yesterday, and I have not had time to consult with my friends in Scotland, as usual, as to whether they have any objection to it. In those circumstances I should be, very much obliged if the noble Duke could put it off until next week.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

Would the noble Earl be good enough to say on which day he would like it to be taken? Would he take it before Easter?

EARL BEAUCHAMP

Our usual custom is to allow a week, in which case we could take it on Monday.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

That is so.

EARL BEAUCHAMP

I do not think that this is a Bill which has to receive the Royal Assent before Easter. It has to go to the Commons, and the usual experience suggests that it does not really matter very much whether the Bill is there immediately after the adjournment or at a later stage. Accordingly I should prefer the Committee Stage to be taken on Monday and the remaining stages after the Recess.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I will ask my noble friend the noble Duke to put it down for Monday.

Order of the Day discharged: House to be in Committee on the Bill on Monday next.