§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I desire to ask the noble Lord the Leader of the House whether he has anything further to say as to business.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (LORD PARMOOR)My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Marquess. I think that the Bill to which I have to refer, the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill, will probably arrive here extremely late tonight, and, as I am told by the Clerk of Parliaments that no time will be lost by doing so, I propose that we should meet formally at a quarter past ten to-morrow morning to read that Bill a first time. Nobody need come down to the House for that purpose, and the arrangement would prevent Peers being kept here tonight, and also the officers of the House. I am told that the formal part of the Bill can be carried through quite as quickly in that way as in any other. I do not know whether the noble Marquess thinks that would be the more convenient procedure? When we adjourn to-night we shall do so until 10.15 to-morrow morning in order to read that Bill a first time.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I can have no manner of objection to the noble and learned Lord's proposal. He, no doubt, has taken advice as to the proper method to pursue; but I should have thought he would have gained nothing by reading it a first time at a quarter past ten in the morning instead of when we meet at a quarter before four o'clock. If, however, he is otherwise advised I have nothing to say.
§ LORD PARMOORI prefer to have the earlier time as we have made arrangements.