§ 6.10 p.m.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, at an earlier stage in our proceedings this afternoon, I indicated that there might be a statement by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister in another place which I would repeat in your Lordships' House. There has been a lot of negotiation going on and things are still not very clear, but I think that the Prime Minister will intervene in the debate in another place between 7.0 and 7.30 o'clock. I am in the hands of the House. I do not know whether your Lordships wish to wait so long as that. I understand that this would not be a statement so much as a part of my right honourable friend's speech. Perhaps noble Lords would say what they would wish.
§ LORD PETHICK-LAWRENCEMy Lords, speaking only for myself and one or two of my noble friends with whom I have just had a moment of conversation, I think that noble Lords would not wish to wait for the statement. We shall have the news in due course, no doubt.
LORD REAMy Lords, I also have consulted with my colleagues and I entirely agree with what the noble Lord, Lord Pethick-Lawrence, has suggested.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, on this side we understand that it is not a separate statement but part of a speech tin which some facts will be given us. In those circumstances, I think that it would be as well if we did not wait.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, what my right honourable friend has to say will be an intervention in the debate and 424 that is not technically a statement. If any noble Lord wants to go and hear it in the Peers' Gallery in another place, perhaps we can do it in that way instead of waiting so long, if that will content your Lordships.