§ LORD PONSONBY OF SHULBREDEMy Lords, before the adjournment, may I ask the Leader of the House if he can give us some idea of business in the near future? Perhaps I may be allowed to put a further question to him. It is this: Can he give us any idea as to what Bills mentioned in the gracious Speech are likely to be introduced in this House first? I do that because I foresee that the great Bill in relation to India is going to occupy the attention of Parliament during the coming Session, and will reach us at a late stage after it has passed through the House of Commons. We shall have in addition to that all the other Bills that have passed in another place, and thus there may be a very unusual congestion of business in your Lordships' House towards the end of this Session, whereas there may be a possibility of our dealing with some of the measures during the earlier part of the year.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)My Lords, in answer to the first question, so far as I have been able to ascertain there is no business at the present stage for next week, and I do not think it is worth while having a merely formal sitting. Therefore I propose to your Lordships that we do not meet next week. The next 129 business of which I have any information is the Second Reading of the Bill which my noble friend Lord Elibank has just read a first time, and that, I understand, is being put down for Tuesday, December 11—Tuesday week—in which event that would be the first meeting after to-day. I understand from my noble friend Lord Mottistone that he leas a personal explanation that he desires to give to your Lordships' House in regard to certain statements he made and certain comments that have been made in the public Press. He proposes, I understand, to take this opportunity of making that statement. That, of course, will not be a matter of debate. On Wednesday, December 12, there is a Question by Lord FitzAlan of Derwent with regard to certain matters in India. I do not know yet what the business will be on Thursday, December 13.
With regard to the second question, the considerations which the noble Lord, Lord Ponsonby, has urged have been very present to my own mind. It is perfectly true, as he says, that the principal business in this Session for both Houses must of necessity be the Bill relating to the Government of India, and that Bill cannot possibly reach us until a comparatively late period in the Session. Therefore I was very anxious, if possible, to find what matters from the Government programme we could usefully consider in this House. Unfortunately, I have to say that I have not been very successful in my search, and for this reason, that owing to the time which the Government of India Bill must of necessity take we have not attempted to set forth a very long list of legislation, as that would merely be a waste of time and a mockery. Of the Bills which it is essential to pass, the majority, at any rate, are Bills which depend mainly on matters of finance, dealing with such questions as housing, the shipping subsidy, and matters of that kind. There is also the Electricity 130 (Supply) Bill, but that has already passed through this House, and perhaps it would be more respectful to your Lordships' House to let the other place deal with it first before asking this House to reconsider it. So far I have not got very much to offer. I can only say that the matters to which the noble Lord has called attention are perfectly legitimate and important considerations, and I am most anxious that any Bills that can properly be considered first in this House shall be brought forward as soon as opportunity offers.
§ LORD PONSONBY OF SHULBREDEI am much obliged to the Leader, of the House for his very full reply. Perhaps he will allow me to ask him one further question. It is whether the debate on the India Committee's Report in your Lordships' House will take place before the Christmas Recess.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, that is a matter which has not been finally decided. I am endeavouring to ascertain through the usual channels what the most convenient course is, but I hope very much it will be possible to take the debate before the Recess.