§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, as we understand that the debate in another place on your Lordships' Amendments to the Iron and Steel Bill was not concluded when they rose this morning, it is clear that we shall not be in a position to receive their Message on those Amendments in time for it to be debated as first Business to-morrow as we had intended. We propose, therefore, after discussions through the usual channels, and if your Lordships generally agree, that we should take the Commons Amendments on the Patents and Designs Bill, which are down on the Order Paper for Thursday next, as first Order tomorrow, in order that we may take the Commons Message on the Lords' Amendments to the Steel Bill as first Order on Thursday.
The Motion on hereditary women Peers and Parliament, which is to be moved by the noble Marquess, Lord Reading, will not be prejudiced by this exchange, as I understand that the Amendments to the Patents and Designs Bill, though numerous, are not of a controversial character, a remark which can hardly apply to some of the Amendments to the Iron and Steel Bill on which your Lordships are expecting a Message from another place.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, on behalf of noble Lords on this side of the House, I beg to say that we are in agreement with the change of which the noble Lord has spoken.
§ VISCOUNT SAMUELNoble Lords on these Benches also agree.