HC Deb 04 November 2003 vol 412 c667
Mr. Speaker

As the House will know, next Tuesday is 11 November—Remembrance day. Although the House will not be sitting at 11 o'clock, right hon. and hon. Members, their staff and officials in the House will be attending to their duties.

I regard it as appropriate that we should join the nation in observing the two minutes' silence at that time so that we might remember those who gave their lives for their country to help to preserve our democratic freedom.

I should be grateful if those responsible for chairing Committees would make appropriate arrangements. Instructions will also be issued to heads of departments so that those members of staff who wish to observe the two minutes' silence should be enabled to do so.