HL Deb 19 April 1972 vol 330 c61
LORD FRASER OF LONSDALE

My Lords, may I, with the leave of the House and the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor, ask a question? While I am much in favour of courtesy, is it necessary to say, "While thanking the noble Lord for that reply"? Often the thanks are not due, and it is a waste of eight words per Question.

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, perhaps this is not quite the moment for the noble Lord to ask my noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor such a question and in any event I think it is not really for him to answer. We have maintained in this House a degree of courtesy which I believe most noble Lords would agree has worked extremely well. If we waste a few words occasionally, I think it does no harm.