§ 4.16 p.m.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, before the noble Lord, Lord Methuen, rises, perhaps I may be allowed to say a word or two about business. We have had to consider some rearrangement of our business this afternoon. As your Lordships know, we had intended to complete to-day the discussion on the Motion tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Methuen, but, as a result of other business before the House, we have had to postpone starting until rather a late hour. A considerable number of noble Lords wish to take part in the debate, and some of them have important engagements which it is impossible for them to break. Therefore, after discussion with noble Lords opposite, we have arranged that the debate shall be adjourned at seven o'clock to-night and that it shall be resumed after Whitsun on June 9. I think that will probably be the most satisfactory arrangement. The subject is an important one of considerable public interest, and it would be a thousand pities if discussion had to be curtailed. So far as I can see, this is the only way of getting over the difficulty. I hope it will be agreeable to the House.
§ VISCOUNT HALLMy Lords, may I say, in the absence of my noble and learned Leader, Lord Jowitt, that I understand that, as the noble Marquess has said, there have been discussions upon this matter, and the arrangement suggested by him is agreeable to us.