§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, I think it will be well if, before we start upon the business on the Order Paper, I make a short statement about future arrangements, since it has been necessary to make some important alterations in the provisional programme circulated to your Lordships generally. We must try to finish the Committee stage of the Local Government Bill this evening, but if that is not possible we shall meet on Monday next, March 15, at 4 p.m. to conclude the Committee stage. Lord Bridgeman's Motion on Defence has been postponed until Wednesday next, March 17, when it will be taken instead of Lord Cherwell's Motion on the Economic Position, which is now expected to be taken some time after the Budget proposals are known. The date of the Budget is Tuesday, April 6, when Parliament will reassemble after the Recess.
We shall hope to conclude the Committee stage of the Children Bill on Tuesday next. In order to give time for this, we are postponing the Second Reading of the British Nationality Bill until after April 6. In order to facilitate discussions on Amendments, we have arranged, through the usual channels, to take the Report and Third Reading stages of the Local Government Bill together on Thursday next, March 18. We hope to be able to adjourn for the Easter Recess after a Royal Commission on Wednesday, March 24. It may, however, be necessary—though I hope not—to sit on the following day.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I do not think I have any comment to make on the statement of the Leader of the House. The procedure which he has proposed is obviously for 704 the convenience of the House. It is not our intention to take longer over the Local Government Bill than is absolutely necessary, but noble Lords will understand that it is an important Bill and certain clauses give rise to very substantial issues. It would be wrong not to discuss these issues fully. However, I hope that we may manage to conclude the Committee stage of this Bill this evening.