§ 2.34 p.m.
§ LORD AMMONMy Lords, before we start the Business on the Order Paper I should like to take this opportunity of informing the House that the Civil Defence Bill, which it is important should receive the Royal Assent before we rise for the Christmas Recess, is expected to be passed by another place on Friday next, December 3. We propose, therefore, that there should be a formal Sitting of this House to receive the Bill on Friday afternoon, in order that it should be made generally available to your Lordships at the earliest possible opportunity and may come up for a Second Reading here on Monday next, December 6. The National Service Bill, which is of no less urgency, is expected to reach your Lordships at a formal Sitting on Friday week, December 10, in which event it has been agreed to sit on Monday, December 13, for the Second Reading of that Bill. The remaining stages will be taken on Wednesday, December 15. These arrangements have been made by agreement through the usual channels.