§ 5.2 p.m.
LORD PAKENHAMMy Lords, with the permission of the House may I say one word about the business for the rest of the evening. I understand there is a possibility that the noble Lord, Lord Saltoun, and the noble Lord, Lord Beveridge, might consider postponing their Motions in spite of the great importance—or I might say because of the great importance—we all attach to the subject to which the Motions refer. I think many of us would consider it rather unsuitable to discuss at the tag end of the day the very wide issues contained in those Motions relating to Germany. I can say on behalf of the noble Viscount the Leader of the House that if those Motions are withdrawn now the Leader will do everything possible to find a suitable day for their discussion before the end of the Session. I should mention that if those Motions are withdrawn we should naturally hope that the noble Viscount, Lord Maugham, and the noble Lord, Lord De L'Isle and Dudley, would proceed with their Motions on the Order Paper.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, with your permission I would like to say that I quite accept the suggestion of the noble Lord, Lord Pakenham, and with your Lordships' permission I will not this afternoon move the Motion which I have on the Paper. I would like to mention, however, that, while I do this willingly, I am impressed with the urgency of the matters that I cannot help feeling that every day's delay before these questions are submitted to your Lordships is to be regretted.
THE EARL OF PERTHMy Lords, I speak on behalf of the noble Lord, Lord Beveridge, who also desires not to move his Motion to-day on the understanding that a future opportunity will be provided for its discussion.