EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I should like to inform the House that it is anticipated that there will be a statement on the Middle East shortly after half-past three this afternoon. It has been agreed through the usual channels that the House should adjourn at one o'clock and reassemble at 2.15. We do not wish to interfere with any of your Lordships' private arrangements, but it may be necessary to ask the House to sit through this afternoon.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, I am obliged to the noble Earl. In view of the general situation, as well as the Business, I am sure that it would be advisable to do as he suggests. I am not asking a Private Notice Question this morning. We are meeting while the other House is not sitting, and there are conversations going on. I should prefer, therefore, to leave any Question about the general situation until the statement is made this afternoon.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, I have given notice of a Private Notice Question, but in view of what my noble Leader has said, I am quite prepared to defer such Question until this afternoon, in the hope that some endeavour will be made to answer it then. The Question relates to an appeal which has been made by the President of the Lebanese Parliament against the American landing. If it can be said "Yes" or "No" whether that is true, then I need not ask the Question now.
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I will draw the attention of my noble friend the Leader of the House to what the noble Viscount has said.