§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I understand that there is no intention on the part of the Government of sitting after dinner to-day. Is that so?
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (LORD PARMOOR)We want to get Clause 13 of the Coal Mines Bill before we adjourn to-day, and in our view that should be got before the dinner hour, and therefore there will be no need for a dinner adjournment. If we do that, and to-morrow meet a little earlier than usual, at three o'clock, we hope that at a reasonable hour the Committee stage of the Bill will be finished. Of course, if necessary, Friday is open to us, but we do not anticipate that it will be necessary to sit on that day. If we sit on the understanding that we do finish to-morrow I think the Committee stage can be finished, although it may mean sitting after dinner.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I do not think it at all unreasonable that we should meet at three o'clock to-morrow. As far as we are concerned, we should have been very glad to have sat after dinner to-night if the Government had wished it, but three o'clock 593 to-morrow will suit very well. As to the possibility of sitting on Friday, that is a matter, I think, that we ought gravely to consider. It is very inconvenient indeed to most noble Lords, and I think it is an almost universal rule that where a Friday sitting is intended considerable notice ought to be given to your Lordships, because otherwise it is very difficult to make arrangements. However, I see no reason in the world why the Bill should not be got through to-morrow. I do not anticipate any difficulties.
§ LORD PARMOORThat is our calculation, and we tried to arrange the hours that would be most convenient for members generally. I do not contemplate the Committee stage going on beyond to-morrow night.