§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, in moving the Motion which stands in my name I ought perhaps to explain that this vast and complicated measure of consolidation—for it all is consolidation—has occupied the Joint Committee upstairs, under the Chairmanship of my noble and learned friend, Lord Radcliffe, to whom we are all deeply indebted, for a considerable time. It is the Amendments made by this Committee which are before your Lordships to-day. I must confess that I greatly dislike asking the House, as a general practice, to pass any Bill through all its stages in a single day, since it is not in accordance with our usual custom. But in the present case, when the Report stage and the Third Reading are bound to be merely formal, there 1016 seems to be no point in prolonging the period taken by the Bill. I suggest, therefore, that the most convenient plan will be to send it, after to-day's proceedings. to another place, where any minor Amendments, if any are found to be necessary, can be made. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That Standing Order No. XXXIX be considered in order to its being dispensed with for the purpose of passing the Income Tax Bill through its remaining stages.—(The Marquess of Salisbury.)
§ EARL JOWITTMy Lords, I agree with what the noble Marquess the Leader of the House has said. I think this is an undesirable practice and one which never should be taken save with the consent of all Parties of the House, which in this case is readily given. This Bill represents a remarkable piece of work. The Parliamentary draftsman who has prepared it is to be congratulated on his work, and we shall all wish to congratulate the noble and learned Lord, Lord Radcliffe. This was a project which I had very much at heart when Lord Chancellor, and to have accomplished this immense task in this short space of time is a remarkable achievement. I readily agree to the proposal made by the noble Marquess, and I hope that the House will accede to it.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.