§ 2.35 p.m.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT JOWITT)My Lords, I think I ought to offer a few words of explanation of the reasons for the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper. It has been the practice in earlier years for the House to order meetings of the House during prorogation for the purpose of hearing and determining appeals. The House may remember that in June last an Order was made referring all appeals to an Appellate Committee for hearing. That Order was limited to the present Session, which, of course, comes to an end with Prorogation. It is not possible on this occasion to order the House to meet as a House for the hearing of appeals, as I understand that the preparations in the Royal Gallery for the State Opening of Parliament will create so much noise during the period of prorogation that the House could not sit in the Chamber we now occupy. I have therefore put down this Motion in order to allow the Appellate Committee to continue to sit in a Committee Room for the purpose of hearing appeals during that period. I beg to move.
§ Moved to resolve, That in pursuance of the provisions of the Appellate Jurisdiction Act, 1876, and the order of this House of the 1st June last, leave be given to the Appellate Committee to meet after the prorogation of Parliament for the purpose of hearing such appeals as have been referred to them.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.