§ LORD AMWELLMy Lords, may I ask a question upon business before the noble Viscount begins, if I am in order? May I make the suggestion that when, as to-day and frequently on other days, we have a very short list of speakers—I am not quarrelling with the rule; I think that it is an exemplary one—the debate could be thrown open to what they call in another place cut and thrust"? I think that it would add to the variety and interest of our debates. I put this forward only as a suggestion. Perhaps it is possible to do this even as the Rules stand now.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I thought that the noble Viscount the leader of the Opposition was rising in reply.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMThe noble Viscount is "cutting" rather than thrusting!
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I think that any noble Lord can talk about anything. There is no restriction that I know upon any noble Lord saying what he wishes on any subject. But whether he has an audience is another matter.
§ LORD AMWELLMy Lords, I am quite satisfied.