§ 2.46 p.m.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, I beg to ask Her Majesty's Government the Question of which I have given notice: whether they will make a statement on the situation in Cyprus?
Before the noble Lord answers that I am sure the House will be glad to see my noble friend Lord Alexander of Hillsborough sitting beside me, in good health, and I should myself like to give him a very cordial welcome back to the House.
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD CARRINGTON)My Lords, I will, if I may, with the permission of the House, answer the Question put by the noble Lord as soon as convenient after half-past three.
I would take this opportunity, if I may, of joining him and, speaking on behalf of my noble friends, of saying how very pleased we are to see the noble Earl the Leader of the Opposition back again. I think all your Lordships will agree the Opposition has been led with great skill by the noble Lord, Lord Silkin, but nevertheless we have missed the noble Earl, and I am very glad to see him looking so well, though I fear it bodes ill for Her Majesty's Government.
§ EARL ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, may I say to my noble friend and to the Leader of the House how grateful I am for this expression? Also, I am more than grateful, for the help it was to me in recovering in hospital, for that wonderful united message sent to me there from the House as a whole. I deeply appreciated that, and I hope that, in spite of our political differences, we shall maintain the spirit in the House of Lords that we all admire so much.