HL Deb 23 October 1935 vol 98 cc1133-4
THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)

My Lords, in moving the Resolution which stands in my name I might perhaps inform your Lordships that it is in accordance with precedent that the Committee should meet as early as possible after its appointment. I am therefore proposing that those of your Lordships who are named of the Committee should be asked to meet at three o'clock to-morrow. It at present appears that if the Committee can to-morrow agree the first and substantial Report as to the procedure, one subsequent meeting to report to the House the actual date of the trial which they suggest will be all that will be required. Your Lordships will see that in choosing the names of the Committee we have included those of your Lordships who are accustomed to doing judicial work, and we have also included the Leaders of the three Parties in the House and the Whips of the three respective Parties. I beg to move.

Moved, That a Select Committee be appointed to inspect the Journals of this House upon former trials of Peers in criminal cases, and to consider of the proper methods of procedure, in order to bring the Lord de Clifford to a speedy trial, and to report to the House what they shall think proper thereupon; and that the Lords following with the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Privy Seal, and the Chairman of Committees be named of the Committee:

—(The Lord Chancellor.)

On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.