§ 2.42 p.m.
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Peart)My Lords, the House will see that the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor is not in his place today on the Woolsack. I should explain that at very short notice he left on Friday to attend the State funeral of the late President of India, and will be returning this evening. He would have wished to seek the leave of the House for his absence, if this had been possible. In giving this explanation, may I take this opportunity of expressing on behalf of the whole House our deepest sympathy with the Indian people on the death of their President.