§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, as the House will know, the Chancellor of the Federal German Republic, Herr Brandt, will be addressing Members of both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday next, March 3. It is anticipated that your Lordships' House will be asked to adjourn during pleasure to hear Herr Brandt between 3.30 and 4.30 p.m.
I would also take the opportunity of informing your Lordships that on Wednesday of next week, March 4, dinner will be available between 7 and 8.30 p.m.
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for giving this information, but in view of the number of speakers on Tuesday, and the adjournment, would it not be possible to have dinner on Tuesday as well?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I am sure that it would be possible, but the consideration we gave to the situation suggested that it was not necessary. The number of speakers at the moment does not suggest that we shall be sitting particularly late. We have been going rather well with the Wednesday experiment, and I thought it would be better for the House if we built up a custom for Wednesday, and then extended it for Tuesday. But if the noble Earl has evidence that we shall need dinner on Tuesday I am prepared to consider it with him.
§ LORD SALTERMy Lords, may we be assured that there will be enough space for Peers who wish to attend?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I am assuming that the noble Lord is now referring to the meeting with Herr Brandt, and not to dinner. In any event, the answer is "Yes" to both questions.
§ LORD WOLVERTONMy Lords, there will be quite a number of speakers on Tuesday and we shall have to adjourn an important debate. I think we ought to have dinner on that very important night when we shall be dealing with reform of local government.
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I make these decisions after consulting with as many people as are available for discussion. As I am now informed by my noble friend behind me, as well as noble Lords in front of me, that dinner is required on Tuesday, I will ensure that dinner is available.