§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD MITCHISONMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when they propose to introduce legislation to safeguard measures approved by the House of Commons from frustration by delay or defeat in the House of Lords.]
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (LORD SHACKLETON)My Lords, as my right honourable friend the Prime Minister made clear in another place, the Government hope that a report will be made at the end of the present inter-Party discussions on the reform of the House of Lords. The date of the introduction of any legislation must depend upon the progress of the talks.
§ LORD MITCHISONMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that Answer, or giving such thanks as it deserves, may I ask him to let us know as soon as possible what he and other noble Lords on the Front Bench opposite are concocting about the House? I hope that something will be done fairly soon.
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, I think the only reply I can give my noble friend is that I have nothing to add to the Answer I have already given.