HL Deb 27 July 1965 vol 268 cc1161-2

2.46 p.m.

LORD CHAMPION

My Lords, I should like to make a Statement about the course of Business this afternoon. I think the House would agree that every effort should be made to conclude the Committee stage of the Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Bill to-day. It is recognised that this may involve sitting until a late hour. There will be a break for dinner between 7.30 and 8.30 p.m. If it is impossible to complete the Committee stage to-day, it will be continued on Thursday next, July 29. In any event, the Report and Third Reading of the Monopolies and Mergers Bill will be taken this evening. It may be for the convenience of the House if I stated the Government's intentions with regard to the Judges' Remuneration Bill. The Second Reading has been set down for Tuesday next, August 3. It is proposed that the Committee and the remaining stages be taken on Wednesday, August 4.

At a suitable moment after 3.30 p.m. my noble friend Lord Shepherd will be making a Statement on Government economic measures.

VISCOUNT DILHORNE

My Lords, with regard to the Business for to-day, the noble Lord is aware that the last Amendments tabled in relation to the Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Bill are Amendments tabled to reverse a decision arrived at in another place on a vote. I think it would be extremely unfortunate if that effort to reverse a decision arrived at by the elected Chamber was taken at a late hour to-night, and I must say that I should strongly object to that. I hope, therefore, that if the proceedings on that Bill are not concluded by, say, 7 o'clock this evening, we shall leave consideration of those Amendments over until Thursday.

LORD CHAMPION

My Lords, this is very much a matter for arrangement through the usual channels. I hope that perhaps the channels concerned will get together to discuss what the noble Viscount has said. All I can do is to make the announcement on behalf of the Chief Whip, but I will certainly call his attention to what the noble Viscount has said.

VISCOUNT DILHORNE

My Lords, there may have been a slight slip between the usual channels—it does sometimes occur, although one hopes it will not—but I think it would be a serious matter if we took those Amendments at a late hour to-night.