§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, with leave of the House, I will take this opportunity to make a Statement about the Christmas Recess. Subject to the progress of business, it is proposed that the House will rise on Wednesday, 22nd December and return on Tuesday, 18th January. For the convenience of your Lordships, the House will sit at 11 a.m. on the day we rise.
Earl ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for making that Statement. May I raise with him the matter of the date of the ballot for the two mini-debates which are due to take place the day after we return? At the moment on the Order Paper the ballot is down for the 22nd, the day we rise, which really does not give very much time for those lucky enough in the draw to get hold of their friends and make plans for the debate.
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, the Opposition Chief Whip has made a very valid point. If I may, to meet the point, I will go into the matter to see whether we can advance the date for the ballot.
§ Viscount BROOKEBOROUGHMy Lords, I beg to introduce a Bill to regulate the production, distribution and use of detonators. I beg to move that this Bill be now read a first time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 1a—(Viscount Brookeborough.)
§ On Question, Bill read la, and to be printed.