§ LORD PONSONBY OF SHULBREDEMy Lords, before the adjournment is moved I think it would be to the convenience of your Lordships if the Leader of the House would be good enough to give us some indication as to the conduct of business in the next three days, while the Bill of the noble Marquess, Lord Salisbury, is before the House—that is to say, what time we shall meet each day and for how long.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord for asking me the question. From such inquiries as I have been able to make through the usual channels, I have learned already of some forty members of your Lordships' House who desire to express their views on this very important Bill, 65 and it may be that there will have to be two or three added to that number. I am anxious that every one who wishes to express his views shall have a reasonable opportunity of doing so. I think it would be for the general convenience find the Division should take place at a reasonable hour on Thursday evening so that as many as possible of your Lordships shall have the opportunity of expressing their opinions at any rate by their votes. I have been considering what would be the best way of meeting that situation.
So far as to-morrow and Thursday are concerned, the judicial requirements of the House prevent our meeting earlier than the usual time. Accordingly, tomorrow we shall meet at a quarter past four and on Thursday at a quarter past four. On Wednesday there is no judicial business, and I suggest, therefore, that your Lordships might be willing to meet at half past two on Wednesday, which will give us an hour and a half more 66 than our usual time. Then, in addition to that, I propose that we should reassemble after dinner to-morrow, which will give us another hour and a half beyond our usual hour for debate, and that we shall see on Wednesday how the debate progresses in order to determine whether or not it will be necessary to sit after dinner on Wednesday also. It may be that we shall find, when the usual time comes for adjournment on Wednesday, that we have made such progress that it will not be necessary to have a late sitting. If we take it definitely that we shall sit late to-morrow and meet at half past two on Wednesday, then we can ascertain during Wednesday what, will be for the general convenience with regard to a late sitting that night.
§ LORD PONSONBY OF SHULBREDEI am much obliged.
§ House adjourned at ten minutes before eight o'clock.