§ 3.10 p.m.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, I promised to keep the noble Viscount the Leader of the Opposition and your Lordships' House in touch on the Cyprus negotiations. Those negotiations are still going on, and I understand that it is just possible that there may be a statement in another place this evening. In that case, as I am sure your Lordships would like to have that statement here, I would propose that, if it is likely to come before a reasonable hour—say, seven o'clock—we should adjourn during pleasure after the Royal Commission until that hour or some convenient time. I shall know the position for certain later in the afternoon, and perhaps I can then tell your Lordships what it is.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Earl the Leader of 378 the House for his information. He is doing all that can possibly be done to meet the wishes of the House in the circumstances. I must apologise to him now for the fact that I shall not be able to stay that long; but my noble friend will certainly be here and will fit in with such arrangements as the noble Earl may make.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, have I understood the noble Earl? Does he mean that if Business is finished the House will adjourn during pleasure after the Royal Commission and that we shall just sit about in case a statement may be made?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I believe that we shall know for certain a little later in the afternoon. I would not, of course, ask your Lordships to wait too long; but if the statement comes at a convenient interval after the Royal Commission, perhaps some noble Lords might like to stay. Of course, it might come before.