HL Deb 15 April 1930 vol 77 cc153-4
LORD PARMOOR

My Lords, the adoption of Amendments to the Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill necessitates our meeting on Thursday. There is no business for to-morrow. The question of the time of meeting on Thursday is one on which I should like to consult the convenience of your Lordships. We are getting near Easter and perhaps it would be convenient to your Lordships to meet early in the day. As far as we on this side of the House are concerned we are prepared to be here at eleven o'clock. I do not know whether that will meet the general convenience of your Lordships?

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

My Lords, I do not quite know why the noble and learned Lord thinks it necessary to ask us to come here on Thursday. There are two things which might happen. The Government in another place might be good enough to agree with the Lords, and then it would not be necessary to have anything but a formal sitting. But if they are not willing to agree I am wondering why the noble and learned Lord does not consider dealing with this Bill on April 29. That would be before the Army Act expires and your Lordships would then be in ordinary Session. But if the noble and [...]ed Lord thinks we must meet on Thursday I would venture to suggest that twelve o'clock would be a suitable time.

LORD PARMOOR

Would it suit the convenience of the noble Marquess if we met at eleven o'clock? That would be more convenient to us.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I do not want to say anything of a polemical nature but, of course, your Lordships have been put in the usual very difficult position by this Bill being sent to us at a time when it is almost impossible to consider it. Noble Lords in the week before Easter have the habit of going into the country and if they have to do in their places on Thursday they will have to come up from the country. A number of noble Lords will not be able to get here at eleven o'clock. That is why I suggested twelve o'clock.

LORD PARMOOR

Then we will make it twelve o'clock.

House adjourned during pleasure. House resumed.