§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF PLYMOUTH)My Lords, I beg leave to introduce a Bill to amend the law relating to merchant shipping for the purpose of enabling effect to be given to an international agreement for establishing a system of observation of the Spanish frontiers, and to move that it be read a first time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 1a.—(The Earl of Plymouth.)
LORD STRABOLGIMy Lords, may I take advantage of the First Reading to ask when it is proposed to take the Second Reading and whether it is proposed to take all stages in one day, which we are prepared to facilitate? On behalf of my noble friends, I may say that we have consulted together, and if it is desired to take all the stages in one day we are prepared to facilitate that.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (VISCOUNT HALIFAX)My Lords, with, regard to the first question that the noble Lord has asked, we propose to take the Second Reading to-morrow. While my noble friend and I greatly appreciate the noble Lord's expression of willingness on his behalf and on behalf of his noble friends 588 to facilitate the passage of all stages of this Bill in one day, I am advised that that would not, in fact, have the effect of accelerating the programme as between the two Houses. While therefore being very grateful to the noble Lord for what he has said, I do not think we shall be prepared to take advantage of his offer. As at present advised, we shall take the other stages of the Bill on Thursday.
§ On Question, Bill read 1a, and to be printed.