HL Deb 27 May 1976 vol 371 cc354-6
Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOE

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend the Leader of the House, I beg to move the Motion standing in his name on the Order Paper.

Moved, That leave be given to the Baroness Birk to advance the Committee stage of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill from Thursday the 17th to Thursday the 10th of June next. —(Baroness Llewelyn-Davies of Hastoe.)

Lord SANDYS

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend I must say that I regret that a misunderstanding has arisen. Unfortunately, it was not appreciated last night that it would not be satisfactory to advance the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill by a week, because it was not then realised that the Amendments would in all probability have to be put down today. I hope that the Government will appreciate the exigencies of the circumstances.

Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOE

My Lords, there is, I think, a genuine misunderstanding on the part of noble Lords opposite. The Amendments can be put down during the Recess perfectly easily. The re-arrangement of Business was agreed through the usual channels after very careful consideration. The arrangement still leaves a whole month between Second Reading and the Committee stage of the Bill, and I think that that is quite sufficient.

Lord SANDYS

My Lords, with the greatest respect to the noble Baroness, I must point out that some noble Lords in this House wish to take their holidays and I believe that there is a genuine problem here. The arrival of the Whitsun Recess is normally a signal for the advancement of the Parliamentary programme into a different rhythm. We regret that the Government wish to take this step, and it would not be satisfactory to my noble friend Lady Young.

Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOE

My Lords, I think that this is most unreasonable. It has all been agreed through the usual channels where the Business always is settled. If the noble Baroness wishes to take a 10-day Recess she still has a fortnight left in all. I happen to know that she was to be in the House on that day, in any case, and I think that the Motion should not be challenged.

Lord LEATHERLAND

My Lords, does not my noble friend think that the easy way out of the difficulty would be for the Opposition not to put down any Amendments?

On Question, Motion agreed to.