§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)My Lords, before the commencement of business I take the opportunity to inform the House that, with the approval of Her Majesty the Queen, I have accepted an invitation to attend an informal meeting of European Ministers of Justice in Ottawa, Canada, between 15th and 19th June. Accordingly, I trust that the House will agree to grant me leave of absence from Monday. 17th June, to Wednesday, 19th June.