§ 3.23 p.m.
VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGHMy Lords, with your Lordships' permission, may I intervene here to ask a Question, of which I have given Private Notice: Whether Her Majesty's Government can make some statement on the position relating to the Suez Canal.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I apologise for not being in a position to answer this Question earlier. My right honourable friend feels that he has nothing to report to the House this afternoon which would add to the knowledge that 435 your Lordships already have. So far as to-morrow is concerned, if there is anything to report my right honourable friend will do so. He suggests that it might meet with the convenience of your Lordships if there were to be a debate in this House on Thursday. There is to be a debate in another place to-morrow, and if the suggestion is acceptable, it is proposed that we should meet at 2.30 on Thursday and have a debate on the Suez Canal on that day.
VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGHMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Earl. Although it so happens that, because of physical conditions, I shall be unable to be here on Thursday, generally speaking that time will be convenient to the Opposition. Shall we put down a Motion for Thursday afternoon?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, perhaps we can consult about the best method. Your Lordships will, I am sure, wish every success to the noble Viscount in hospital.