HL Deb 30 May 1968 vol 292 cc1229-30

3.0 p.m.

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, in rising to move the Motion which stands in my name in relation to the Report stage of the Sewerage (Scotland) Bill and the Committee stage of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Bill, may I say that I appreciate that this is a change on which one might have hoped for more time for consultation with the Opposition. I would stress my appreciation to the noble Lord, Lord Drumalbyn. These matters are always somewhat difficult. We consulted with a number of noble Lords, and if there are still some noble Lords who have difficulties on this matter, we should be very willing to think again. In other words, I should like to be as accommodating as possible.

Moved, That leave be given to the Lord Hughes to advance the Report stage of the Sewerage (Scotland) Bill, and the Committee stage of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Bill from Tuesday the 18th to Thursday the 13th of June next.—(Lord Shackleton.)

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, as the noble Lord is always so charming when eating humble pie, I find it difficult to be angry with him; but I hope that the business of this House will not approach anything like the situation in another place. Perhaps noble Lords opposite will look further ahead in their business, and on the next occasion consult the Opposition rather sooner than five minutes before the Sitting of the House.

LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYE

My Lords, the noble Lord the Leader of the House was good enough to say that he had consulted certain quarters on this matter. I regret that he did not feel able to consult noble Lords such as myself and two other noble Lord; who have the only Amendments on the Marshalled List for the Report stage of the Sewerage (Scotland) Bill.

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, one of the troubles is that we are slightly at the mercy of another place in adjusting our timetable. If it is the feeling of the House, I should be very willing to continue the consultations which we started last night. It is difficult to cover everybody, but I accept that we ought to have taken Lord Balfour's problems into account, and I promise to do so. If any difficulty arises, I will move another Motion.

On Question, Motion agreed to.