§ 2.42 p.m.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, before we proceed to the Business of the afternoon, it may be for the convenience of the House if I make a statement about our proceedings to-day. As your Lordships know, there are a considerable number of Amendments down on the Report stage of the Transport Bill, and we have had to consider how far it 48 would be proper to ask the House to go this afternoon. Clearly, I think, it will be the wish of noble Lords on both sides of the House that we should try to break the back—if I may use such an expression—of the Report stage. I do not think that will prove so difficult as might appear on looking at the list of Amendments because, as your Lordships know, many of these Amendments are there merely to give effect to undertakings given by the Government during the Committee stage, and others are purely consequential. What I would propose, with all deference to the House, is that we should get to the end of Clause 16 before we adjourn—in any case, I do not think we should sit later than 11 p.m. to-night. However, it is my own view—and I think it will be shared by others—that, if there is co-operation and good will on both sides of the House, we ought to get to the end of Clause 16 much earlier than that. I would suggest that we should not adjourn for dinner, but go right through. I am perhaps a little optimistic in thinking that, if we really try, we may get to the end of Clause 16 by eight o'clock, in which case, of course, noble Lords could go and have their dinners in peace. At any rate, that is the recommendation I make to the House. If that is acceptable to all concerned, we can proceed upon that basis.
§ EARL JOWITTMy Lords, I thank the noble Marquess for what he has said. I think that will be a convenient course. Of course, the noble Marquess realises that the bait or lure of getting a peaceful dinner outside these premises is very great. Yet these are matters of great importance, and it would be wrong of us to shirk our duty here, though it is perhaps rather an unpleasant duty discussing things we have discussed before. We must consider the Amendments thoroughly, but without unnecessary waste of time. If we can achieve the objective of the noble Marquess it would be very desirable. May I also, quite irregularly, add how pleased I am to see the noble Lord the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster back in his place?