The LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord ElwynJones)My Lords, this may be an opportune moment before the House proceeds to the principal business of the day for me to acquaint your Lordships with the fact that I have been requested, with the Queen's approval, to attend, as one of the representatives of Her Majesty's Government, a Conference of Commonwealth Ministers of Justice to be held in Lagos, Nigeria, from the 17th to 22nd February. I hope that your Lordships will agree to grant me leave of absence for that period.