§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (LORD PARMOOR)My Lords, I should like to give notice to the House at the earliest moment of a matter which I have had an opportunity of discussing with the Leader of the Opposition, although he is not in a position to give a definite opinion. Certain Bills, which we hope will be read a first or second time to-day, will be put down for next Thursday because it is of importance that they should proceed as quickly as possible. It may be that they could be dealt with in another place this week, which would be very desirable. Therefore I propose to put down a Motion in respect of those Bills to suspend Standing Order No. XXXIX—the usual Motion. Of course if any difficulty should arise, or there is any matter which requires further discussion, I should not press the Motion in connection with any particular Bill.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, the way in which the Leader of the House has been good enough to make that announcement makes it impossible for us to say anything except that we are very much obliged to him. At the same time I think I ought to say that I was not aware, until he was good enough to tell me a few minutes ago, that this Motion was going to be made. It would require a little time for your Lordships to look at the Bills before we commit ourselves to suspending our usual procedure for the purpose of hurrying them forward.
§ LORD PARMOORCertainly.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI refer specially to the Arbitration (Foreign Awards) Bill, which we are to discuss directly. Since the noble and learned Lord opposite spoke to me I have been able to make inquiry and I find that there is some disposition to require delay between the Second Reading and the Committee stage of this Bill, as it deals with a very intricate legal point which it 92 may be necessary for lawyers to consider before we accept it in the exact form in which it stands. I do not anticipate any difficulty, but my noble and learned friend who sits beside me [Viscount Hailsham] will no doubt take part in the debate directly and will give his view on that point. I should not like your Lordships to be committed to having to take that Bill as rapidly as the noble and learned Lord suggested just now. Since I am on my legs, perhaps I may be allowed to ask, for the convenience of your Lordships, if the noble and learned Lord can tell us when it is hoped that the adjournment will take place, and also whether he can tell us now or perhaps to-morrow—I do not know if he will be in a position to do so—when the House is likely to re-assemble after the Recess.
§ LORD PARMOORI do not think that I shall be in a position to-morrow to communicate the date when the House is likely to reassemble after the Recess, but I will give this House the first intimation that can be given as to that date. With regard to the date of the adjournment, the view of the optimists is that the adjournment will take place at the end of next week. That, I think, is rather an optimistic outlook; but I hope that it will not be delayed beyond the week after next in any event.
§ VISCOUNT PEELMay I ask the noble and learned Lord if he can tell us when he is going to take the Second Reading of the Government of India (Aden) Bill?
§ LORD PARMOORNext Thursday.