§ 4.7 p.m.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, before the noble and learned Earl, Lord Jowitt, proceeds with his speech, I should like to ask the leave of the House to make a statement which is also being made in another place, with regard to the Malta Round-Table Conference. The Conference has presented its Report and it will be laid before the House to-morrow. I should like to take this opportunity on behalf of my right honourable friend the Prime Minister to thank the noble Lords and right honourable and honourable Members who took part in the Conference for their valuable work. I am sure I can speak for all noble Lords in every part of the House in congratulating the members of the Conference for the despatch with which they have performed their task. The Government will consider the Report with all speed, but no action will be taken until the House has had the opportunity of debating the Report after Christmas, thus enabling the Government to take careful account of the views of honourable Members on this important constitutional question.
§ EARL JOWITTMy Lords, I think it would be well, before we discuss the Report, to read what it is all about. But I am sure we shall all associate ourselves with the Leader of the House in the expression of thanks to those who have laboured in that task.