§ 2.35 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, I beg to ask the noble Earl the Leader of the House this Question of which I have given private notice: Whether Her Majesty's Government intend to arrange for a debate on the economic situation with special reference to the recent resignations.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, if noble Lords opposite would like to put down a Motion on this subject we on our side should be happy to reply to it. At present the Report stage of the Life Peerages Bill does not appear to be likely to take much time next Tuesday. I do not know whether noble Lords opposite feel that that would be a suitable day. Perhaps we could arrange talks through the usual channels.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, I do not think that Tuesday next would be a good day for us, in all the circumstances, if and when we decide to put down a Motion. I understand that this Chamber of your 2 Lordships, as at present constituted, is part of the Parliament of the country, and in another place the Motion which it was proposed should be put down by the Opposition has now been replaced by a Motion by Her Majesty's Government. I do not know whether the noble Leader of the House is aware of that fact and whether he might not feel it desirable to follow the same procedure in this House.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, at present I do not think that that is necessary, but if that debate is not to be taken next Tuesday we shall have time to consider all these matters. Certainly a debate can be arranged.