HL Deb 30 June 1931 vol 81 cc476-8

EARL BUXTON had given Notice to call attention to the question of slavery and to move to resolve, That in the opinion of this House the abolition of slave-owning, slave-trading and slave-raiding is an urgent international duty. That while this House fully appreciates the action hitherto taken by the League of Nations, it is of opinion that further steps of a definite nature appear to be required in order to bring about the extinction of slavery in all its forms.

The noble Earl said: My Lords, I shall, in the circumstances, postpone this Motion until July 15, but I should like to say by way of explanation that when I and some of my friends who intended to take part in the debate came here we were under the impression or understanding that this day had been fixed because there would be no controversial Bill before my Motion. That has not happened. Quite clearly it is no use attempting to bring on a debate now and I beg leave to give notice of my intention to bring the matter forward on July 15.

LORD PARMOOR

My Lords, the noble Earl is quite right in what he says. He entered into communication with me and we endeavoured to keep the day free. I do not know how it was that other matters came in, and I regret it very much. The day he now mentions is a Wednesday and so he will come first.

EARL BUXTON

I do not think I shall come first, but I thought Wednesday would probably be better than any other day. If in the circumstances the noble and learned Lord is prepared to give me another day I shall be obliged.

LORD PARMOOR

I think that is the best day because Bills cannot be put down to take precedence. There is only Lord Templetown's Motion with regard to the Basle Trading Company on the Paper.

EARL BUXTON

I think the Duke of Montrose has given Notice already for that day. Cannot the noble and learned Lord give me another day?

LORD PARMOOR

I should like to do all I can to reserve a place for the noble Earl. On the Paper which had in my possession there was only the one Motion.

EARL BUXTON

I will put it down provisionally for July 15, and perhaps we can talk it over in the meantime.

House adjourned at ten minutes before seven o'clock.