§ 2.43 p.m.
§ EARL FORTESCUEMy Lords, as the Atomic Energy Authority Bill is urgently required for Royal Assent before we rise for the Whitsun Recess, we propose to ask the House to agree to the Third Reading stage being advanced from Tuesday next to to-morrow, Thursday, in order that the Amendments made to the Bill here may reach another place in time for consideration there. The noble Viscount, Lord Stansgate, who intimated yesterday on the Report stage that he wished to raise a point on Third Reading, has been consulted and has kindly consented to the proposed change of date.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for his courtesy.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, I have not had an opportunity of consulting my noble Leader, but in all the circumstances I am sure that he would agree to this proposal. I understand that there have been some conversations, but I should like to say to the noble Earl that, whilst we always try to help where we can, we are rather concerned about the short-dated notices of changes. I hope that whenever they can be avoided they will be, and that this will not be regarded as a precedent.
§ EARL FORTESCUEMy Lords, I agree with the noble Viscount, and we shall do our best to obviate these short notices in future.