§ 11.26 a.m.
§ Lord KENNETMy Lords, I beg to move that the Commons Reasons for disagreeing to certain of the Lords Amendments, and the Commons Amendment to one of the Lords Amendments, be now considered.
Moved, That the Commons Reasons for disagreeing to certain of the Lords Amendments, and the Commons Amendment to one of the Lords Amendments, be now considered.—(Lord Kennet.)
§ Lord BROOKE of CUMNORMy Lords, I must enter this protest. We are being asked to consider this Commons Message at a time when, I am informed, the Commons Hansard for the day when these matters were considered in another place is not available in the Printed Paper Office. This seems to me quite improper. If there is to be any reasonable discussion of these matters it is not only desirable but, in my view, essential that it should be possible for Members of your Lordships' House to read what was said in another place. I do not know the reason why the Commons 1188 Hansard for yesterday is not in the Printed Paper Office, though I am quite sure that the blame does not rest upon the members of our staff there. If it were not that the Opposition are as anxious as the Government to see this Bill receive the Royal Assent before we rise, I should feel obliged to oppose this Motion. I trust your Lordships will not think that any precedent is being allowed to arise by the Opposition if I do not press my opposition to it.
§ The MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Shepherd)My Lords, I apologise to the noble Lord. This problem has only just been drawn to my attention, and I have not yet had an opportunity of finding out why the Report is not available in the Printed Paper Office. However, I will look into the matter and will give the reasons to the noble Lord as soon as I can.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.