§ 2.17 p.m.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOVINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, it may he convenient if I inform your Lordships that, after consultation through the usual channels, it appears that it would meet the 194 convenience of your Lordships if the hour of sitting for the present were 2.30 p.m., and, accordingly, that will be the time named for tomorrow. I would also take this opportunity of saying that I am sorry I must ask your Lordships to meet on Thursday afternoon in order that a Draft Order dealing with the definition of boundaries under the Representation of the People Act, 1945, can be dealt with. The Order will be remitted to the Special Orders Committee to consider tomorrow, and it is hoped that we may he able to have a Report in the House on Thursday afternoon. We should also like to take on Thursday the Second Reading of the Bill just introduced by the noble and learned Lord, the Lord Chancellor.
VISCOUNT CRANBORNEMy Lords, I should like to ask the noble Viscount the Leader of the House if he has any information to give to noble Lords as to the possibility of holding a debate on the foreign situation.
§ VISCOUNT ADDISONMy Lords, the Foreign Secretary is making a statement, I understand, in another place this afternoon, and if it would meet the wishes of your Lordships, we should be glad to provide time for such a discussion.
VISCOUNT CRANBORNEMy Lords, I am grateful to the Leader of the House for his most helpful answer. I will, if he agrees, institute consultations through the usual channels and put down a Motion for the near future, and I take it that there will be no general discussion on foreign affairs until that Motion is discussed.
§ VISCOUNT ADDISONI think that would be much the most convenient way of dealing with it and I hope that that will be so.