VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGHMy Lords, before we proceed with the next Business on the Order Paper, with your Lordships' permission I should like to ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is proposed to make a statement on the lines I suggested to the noble Marquess the Leader of the House yesterday, when I said I would ask a Private Notice Question with regard to Suez to-day and to-morrow.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, I am afraid I shall have to delay an answer to the noble Viscount. I have only just come into the House and have not yet seen my noble friend, and I do not know what arrangement he has made. I gather that certain conversations are going on now between my noble friend and those in another place as to whether or not a statement is to be made. May I get in touch with the noble Viscount later in the debate?
VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGHMy Lords, I should be very much obliged if the noble Earl would do so. I think it is for the convenience of the House that noble Lords should be kept informed day by day on 424 this very important situation. if I erred by giving Notice publicly yesterday instead of in private, I apologise, but I understood that having given Notice yesterday somebody would be here today to answer.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, my noble friend wishes to keep the House informed whenever he has anything to say.
LORD REAMy Lords, will the noble Earl who is leading for Her Majesty's Government say as soon as possible whether there is to be a statement? It would be convenient for noble Lords if he could do so.