HL Deb 22 July 1965 vol 268 cc897-8

3.26 p.m.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, at a suitable moment after 3.30 p.m. there will be two Statements. The first will be made by my noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor, on the Royal Commission on the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921. The second will be by my noble friend the Leader of the House, on the Security Commission Report.

In view of the large number of Amendments to the Rent Bill, the Government had hoped that the House could have remained in Committee until about 10.30 this evening, but I understand that there has been some misunderstanding in regard to a confidential and provisional document giving timing; and in view of representations that have been made I should like to state that the House will now remain in Committee on the Rent Bill until 8 p.m. or up to Clause 30, whichever may be earlier. It is proposed to conclude the Committee stage on the Rent Bill on Monday next, July 26. I am sure that, with the customary cooperation of your Lordships, this should be possible.

So far as other Business is concerned, it is proposed to take the Committee stage of the Race Relations Bill on Monday, August 2. The Redundancy Payments Bill is being brought from the Commons to-day, and the Bill as printed for this House will be available in the Printed Paper Office to-morrow morning. It is proposed that the Bill should be set down for Second Reading on Monday next, and that its Committee stage should be taken on Tuesday, August 3.

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, I should like to query one point in the noble Lord's Statement. He said that the Redundancy Payments Bill is to be taken on Monday next. Would that be after the Rent Bill Committee stage?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, if that would be for the convenience of the House, I am sure that it could be arranged. At the moment it appears that the Rent Bill would come later; but if it should be the will of the House that it should be earlier, I am sure that this could be arranged.

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, I think it would be for the convenience of the House if we could take the Rent Bill first.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, then we will do that.