§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, I beg to move the Motion which stands in my name on the Paper, and I may perhaps be allowed to say a word with regard to it. Unfortunately, owing to illness, our Chairman of Committees is unable to be with us for a little time, and we have a number of Bills which require skilful pilotage through the Committee stage shortly coming before us. It is necessary, therefore, to invoke the good will of those noble Lords who have previously occupied the position, and I am sure your Lordships will agree with me that it is very kind of them to allow themselves to be nominated in this way, as we certainly need their help. It has occurred to me, since this emergency was brought to my notice on Thursday last, that it might be useful to have some conversation through the usual channels as to how we shall deal with such an emergency in the future.
It might be useful if from the two sides, Peers somewhat junior to those now nominated, were appointed to deputise for the Chairman of Committees, and were afforded the opportunity of acquiring experience in this way. But as I have already said, I will discuss that matter with the Leaders of the other Parties in the House. I certainly think that this is a matter which we should have in mind with a view to future emergencies. In the meantime, we are very grateful to these noble Lords who have previously been in the Chair for allowing themselves to be nominated. I am sure that it would be inconvenient that we should each day move at the opening of the sitting of the House that a particular 596 noble Lord should take the Chair. The course I am now proposing is obviously for the general convenience of the House.
§ Moved to resolve, That it is in the interest of the business of this House that a panel of Lords be appointed at the commencement of each Session as Deputy Chairmen of Committees who shall, in the absence of the Chairman of Committees, be entitled to exercise all the powers vested in him, and that for the present Session the following be named to act as Deputy Chairmen of Committees:
- V. Hutchison (E. Donoughmore),
- L. Stanmore,
- V. Mersey.ߞ(Viscount Addison).
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONMy Lords, I should like to associate myself with the expression of our appreciation of the public servants who, so well tried, have very generously come back to help us with their experience. It is no reflection upon them to say that we all hope our new Chairman will soon be completely restored to health. I hope the noble Earl, the Chairman of Committees, will be back immediately after Easter.
§ VISCOUNT SAMUELMy Lords, it is certainly a very desirable regularisation of the procedure. Indeed, it seems strange that such a measure was not adopted long ago. It is the custom to set up a panel of Deputy Speakers of the House, as it is desirable to have noble Lords ready and allocated to replace the Lord Chancellor on the Woolsack, when necessary. This should apply equally to a replacement of the Chairman of Committees, and it seems to me that the Motion made by the noble Viscount is a desirable precedent and should be made permanent each Session. I notice that the noble Viscount observed that it would be well to nominate a member from each side of the House to the panel, but, for such purposes as these, this House is a triangle and has three sides, and it will be agreed that all sections of the House should contribute service of this character. I am happy to see that on this occasion these Benches have the privilege of contributing two out of three. A certain proportion, of a just character, should be observed in the future.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.