§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, with reference to the conversation which took place in your Lordships' House at the beginning of business yesterday, I desire in the first place to apologise to your Lordships for the fact that I was not present. If I had had the least idea that the conduct of business was going to be called in question I need not say that I should certainly have been at your Lordships' disposal. I think that what was said yesterday cannot be entirely passed over in silence, but with your Lordships' leave I do not propose to say anything this afternoon because an intimation has been given to me that my noble friend Lord Newton, who took rather a prominent part in the discussion last night, cannot be present this afternoon. Accordingly, with your Lordships' leave, I will not say anything further on the subject until tomorrow.