§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)My Lords, I desire to move that the Lord Stanmore be appointed to take the Chair in Committees of the Whole House during the temporary absence, through illness, of the Chairman of Committees. I am glad to say that that somewhat alarming phrase does not involve anything very serious. I have this morning received a communication from my noble friend Lord Onslow to say that, unfortunately, he has got influenza, and that it may be a few days before he is able to return to the service of the House. He writes from the West of England. He says that he hopes to come back before very long, and asks me to express his regrets to the House and to take the necessary steps to replace him whilst he is absent. We all hope that Lord Stanmore's tenure of office will be a short one, not because of any lack of confidence in his capacity but because we would like to see our regular Lord Chairman back as soon as may be.
§ Moved, That the Lord Stanmore be appointed to take the Chair in Committees of the Whole House during the temporary absence, through illness, of the Chairman of Committees.—(Viscount Hailsham.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.