§ LORD SILKIN had given notice of his intention to call attention to the Ninth Report of the National Parks Commission; and to move for Papers. The noble Lord said: My Lords, the Motion which stands in my name on the Order Paper was to have been debated on July 1. It so happened that the Business for to-day had collapsed and there appeared to be no Business before the House, and at the suggestion of both sides it was decided that this particular Motion should be brought forward to to-day. It so happens that there has been Business before the House to-day which we have just discussed and which 1253 has taken up a considerable amount of time. It further transpires that a number of noble Lords who were to have spoken if the debate took place on July 1 are not able to speak to-day, and they have written to me expressing their regret.
§ In those circumstances, and in view also of the fact that a considerable number of noble Lords are absent on other, and more agreeable, business, it seems to me that it would be for the general convenience of the House if I deferred this Motion until another convenient day. I have discussed a postponement with my noble friends who were to have spoken in the debate and I have also had a word with the noble Earl, Lord Dundee, who was to have replied, and all of them, 1254 without exception, expressed great relief at not having to speak this afternoon. In those circumstances I hope the House will feel that I am not letting it down if I do not move this Motion this afternoon but propose to put it down for a later day.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, I am sure the House will be grateful to the noble Lord. We are sorry not to hear him, but we look forward to a future occasion, perhaps on a wet and cloudy day.
§ House adjourned at five minutes before four o'clock.