§ VISCOUNT HALDANEMy Lords, I rise to ask the noble Marquess who leads the House whether it would be agreeable to postpone the taking of the Second Reading of the Aliens Restriction Bill, which is down for to-morrow, until after Easter. There is immense interest taken in the Bill on this side of the House, and among the public generally, and we feel it is a Bill of first-class importance which should be taken when we can have a full House to debate it. If the noble Marquess can take it after Easter, on any day other than May 3, it would be a great convenience.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, I do not think the Government were aware that noble Lords opposite took such an acute interest in this Bill. As you know, there is nothing novel about the Bill; it is merely going to continue an Act which has-been in operation for some time.
§ VISCOUNT HALDANEIt is a War Act.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI need not tell your Lordships that the desire of myself and my colleagues is to do the utmost we can to meet the wishes of noble Lords sitting in any part of the House, especially of those on the Front Opposition Bench. Therefore, if it is a convenience to the noble Viscount we will certainly put the Bill off till after Easter. I hope my noble and learned friend will not object to its being taken as early as possible after Easter.
§ VISCOUNT HALDANEIf you can avoid May 3.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI will take note that that date is barred, and except for that I hope the noble Viscount will not object to an early date, because the House of Commons is very anxious to receive the Bill as soon as possible.
§ VISCOUNT HALDANEWe are very grateful to the noble Marquess for what he has said.
Second Reading of the Bill (which stood appointed for to-morrow) put off accordingly.