§ The LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord Elwyn-Jones)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 invited, with the Queen's approval, to attend the triennial conference of the New Zealand Law Society, which begins in Wellington on Friday 4th April. Afterwards, I am hoping to spend a few days in Australia for Ministerial discussions, but I am happy to say that I expect to return to London from Australia on Saturday 12th April. I hope that your Lordships will agree to grant me leave of absence for that period.