§ 2.43 p.m.
§ EARL JOWITTMy Lords, may I ask the noble Marquess the Leader of the House a question arising out of Business to-day? Among the list of Bills to be considered to-day is the Civil Defence (Armed Forces) Bill. That Bill was printed just before the Whitsun Holiday and, of course, our opportunity to consider it was rather interfered with by the holiday and by the fact that people were apart from each other. What I am asking the noble Marquess is whether he can see his way to give us a little longer time—say, for instance, until one day next week—before we take the Second Reading of the Bill. It must be considered in the context of the rather wider matters about which the noble Marquess knows quite well, and I think that it would be desirable, from everybody's point of view, if we could have a little longer to look into it.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, I am grateful to the noble and learned Earl for asking his question, and also for giving me notice that he proposed to do so. I have looked into this matter and I think there is substance in what the noble and learned Earl has said. No doubt the holiday has interfered with people's arrangements, and in view of that I suggest that we postpone the consideration of this Bill until next Thursday, which would give the extra week which is required. I would propose that next Thursday the Bill's Second Reading should be placed as first Order on the Paper.
§ EARL JOWITTI am grateful to the noble Marquess the Leader of the House, who on this occasion, as on so many others, has done what he can to consult the wishes of the House.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, before the Second Reading of this Bill, would the noble Marquess bear in mind the question of giving us some detailed information as to the functions of the people who are to be abstracted from their military duties?
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI will certainly look into that matter.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEThank you.