§ 6.42 p.m.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, I hope your Lord, ships will forgive me for interrupting this important debate, but the House will, I am sure, want to know as soon as possible the arrangements which have been made for the Second Reading of the Death Penalty (Abolition) Bill next week. Owing to the very large number of Peers who wish to take part in that debate I have undertaken, after consultation with the noble Viscount, Lord Templewood, who will be in charge of the Bill, to try to arrange for a third day. This has proved not to be possible without severe inconvenience to many noble. Lords and a great interference with our already overloaded programme. After consultation with the noble Viscount the Leader of the Opposition, to whom, if I may say so, I am most grateful, the following times have now been agreed. 499 The debate will begin after formal Business at 2.30 p.m. on Monday and will continue until 11 p.m. that night, with no adjournment for dinner, which it will be possible for noble Lords to obtain in the dining room. The debate will be resumed at 11 on Tuesday morning, and will continue with no adjournment for luncheon. It is hoped in this way to make it possible for a Division to be taken by six or seven o'clock at the latest that evening.