HL Deb 02 March 1943 vol 126 cc409-10
VISCOUNT CRANBORNE

My Lords, I would like to consult the House and the noble Lord, Lord Faringdon, who has a question on the Paper to-day with regard to the situation in Cyprus. The present hour seems somewhat late at which to begin a new debate which is likely to take your Lordships some time. It is of course entirely a matter for the House.

LORD FARINGDON

My Lords, as far as I am concerned I would like to leave the matter entirely in the hands of the noble Duke (the Duke of Devonshire) who will reply. I only expected to extract a statement from him.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE

I understand that the noble Duke who is to reply has a considerable amount to say to your Lordships, and that he would probably be speaking for close upon half an hour in any case. I suggest therefore that perhaps the debate might be postponed till the next sitting, when I think that possibly there would be time. There is a debate on a question of Lord Strabolgi's about China, and after that there is a question by Lord Portsea, which will probably not take very long.

LORD FARINGDON

I should be very pleased to postpone my Motion if it would be a convenience to the House.

VISCOUNT MERSEY

Where would it come on the Paper?

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE

It would come last on the Paper. I do not know how many noble Lords propose to speak on Lord Strabolgi's Motion, but I have not heard of a large number, and probably on the second Motion there would be very few also. Therefore I think we may take it that it will not keep your Lordships to an unduly late hour.

LORD FARINGDON

I wondered whether the next sitting would be better than the sitting after that.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE

I think if Lord Faringdon would agree, the next sitting would be likely to be more convenient.

House adjourned.