§ The Lord PRIVY SEAL (Viscount Addison)My Lords, as your Lordships all know, Earl Baldwin of Bewdley has died since we last met. I have consulted with the noble Lords who lead the Parties opposite and, in agreement with them, I propose to put down a Motion on the Paper for to-morrow for the adjournment of the House as a mark of respect to the memory of the late noble Earl. On that Motion I have no doubt that your Lordships will then wish to pay tribute to the late Lord Baldwin.
I would remind your Lordships that the meeting of the House to-morrow for public business is at 4 o'clock and not at the usual hour of 2.30 p.m. On Thursday next, I propose that we should meet at 2 o'clock instead of the usual hour of 4 o'clock, in order that we may have time to take the business postponed from to-morrow, Wednesday, until that afternoon owing to the adjournment, as well as the business that already stands on the paper for that afternoon, including the debate on the Finance Bill which, I understand, is to be of an important and comprehensive character. After that debate has been concluded and the Finance Bill has been passed, there will be a Royal Commission before the House adjourns for the Christmas Recess until Tuesday, January 20, in the New Year.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I rise merely to say on behalf of those who sit on these Benches how grateful we are to the noble Viscount the Leader of the House for the courtesy he has shown in this matter and how very warmly we agree with the procedure which he now suggests.
§ Viscount SAMUELMy Lords, noble Lords on these Benches fully concur.