§ 4.35 p.m.
§ LORD SNELLMy Lords, I beg to ask the noble Earl, Lord Lucan, if he can say anything about the business before the House next week and about the Whitsuntide adjournment.
THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, as regards business next week, there are Motions on the Paper for Tuesday and Wednesday which were mentioned by my noble friend Lord Hankey as a reason for not having a debate on the War situation until Thursday. On Tuesday there is the twice-postponed Motion by the noble Lord, Lord Addison, about coal and on Wednesday there is a Motion on the Paper in the name of the noble Viscount, Lord Samuel, about food. Perhaps after what has been said, there may be some alteration, but that is the arrangement at present. As regards the Whitsuntide Recess, it is proposed that the House should adjourn on Thursday next, May 9, and reassemble on Tuesday, May 21.
§ LORD SNELLCould the noble Earl say anything about the hour at which we are likely to meet on Thursday?
THE EARL OF LUCANThere has been some discussion as to whether we should meet, as usual, at four o'clock or perhaps at three o'clock, or whether we should meet at the same time as another place. I believe that members in another place will meet at eleven o'clock and sit until four o'clock. It is a question whether it would better suit the convenience of the House to have a debate in the morning or in the afternoon. The matter has not been settled yet but it cart be arranged between now and next Thursday.
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONIf the House does not meet at eleven o'clock, I would suggest that for such a very important debate your Lordships should meet not later than three o'clock.