§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I do not know whether the noble and learned Lord the Leader of the House has any further guidance for us in respect of business?
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (LORD PARMOOR)My Lords, I am very much obliged to the noble Marquess for asking the question. I think I ought to state as a matter of convenience, as it cannot appear on the Paper, that when we come back we propose to proceed with the Second Reading of the Coal Mines Bill until it is concluded; that is to say, if it is not concluded on 29th April we shall continue with it on 30th April. It might be convenient for all noble Lords to know that in order that the dates may be left open.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, considering the importance of the Bill, if your Lordships are willing to take that course it would seem to be a wise one. The debate might even extend beyond two days and that, of course, the noble and learned Lord will remember. As he has raised the question, the noble and learned Lord will bear in mind, I am sure, the convenience of your Lordships, and I might suggest that a very substantial interval will be required between the Second Reading and the Committee stage.
§ LORD PARMOORI think that is so; but I hope the noble Marquess will remember also that the Second Reading having been put off for a considerable time it is possible, now that the Bill has been printed, for him and his friends to consider the question of any Amendments. I do not want to curtail time unnecessarily, 66 but I think that has to be taken into consideration.
§ EARL BEAUCHAMPMy Lords, may I suggest, in view of the possibility of a long discussion on the Second Reading of the Coal Mines Bill, that noble Lords shall not engage themselves to dinner on April 29 and 30?