§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend the Leader of the House, I beg to move the Motion that stands in his name on the Order Paper.
§ Moved, That Standing Order No. 35 (Arrangement of the Order Paper) be dispensed with to-morrow for the purpose of giving precedence to the Motion standing in the name of the Lord Kennet over the Order of the Day for the Third Reading of the Commonwealth Secretariat Bill.—(Lord Shepherd.)
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, may I ask for some information from the Government on this Motion? I am interested in this Bill and, indeed, took part in the debate on Second Reading. The Committee stage was purely formal and no Amendments were put down, and I am wondering what is the purpose of this Motion. Is it intended to have a debate on Third Reading; otherwise, it will be purely formal. There does not seem to be much point in making it follow the particular Business that is referred to.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, the position is that my noble friend Lord Beswick, who has been the Minister in charge of this Bill, will not be available in your Lordships' House until later in the afternoon. Taking into account the fact that some noble Lords might wish to speak on Third Reading, we thought that we should delay its consideration so that my noble friend Lord Beswick will be available.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.