§ 2.58 p.m.
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I should like to inform the House that my noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor will be making a statement on public order at some suitable moment after 3.30 p.m.
§ EARL ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, what I am concerned about on that announcement is this. Through the usual channels—the Chief Whip will not mind my saying this—we have been given a date in the first week of our resumption after the Recess for the introduction of a Bill dealing with public order. I must raise the point at once that I think speed especially is desirable. The most unfortunate thing would be if that Bill were introduced into this House first. If it is a question dealing with legislation on public order, we feel that it should be introduced in the other place first.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I would ask the noble Earl to await the statement I shall be making at a suitable moment after 3.35, and I hope when he has heard that statement he will rather change his view and think that this would be a suitable Bill to your Lordships' House.
§ EARL ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHI made some inquiries before I ventured to raise the matter on Business. I am quite willing to wait and hear what the Lord Chancellor has to say when he makes his statement, but I am not withdrawing from my position at the moment.