§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, at a convenient moment after 3.30 p.m. this afternoon my noble friend Lord Trenchard, with the leave of the House, will repeat a Statement which has been made in another place on the Falkland Islands. It may be for the convenience of the House if I announce that Dinner will be available this evening at the usual time. The Report stage of the Local Government Finance (No. 2) Bill will be adjourned at approximately 6.45 p.m. for approximately one hour, and during this adjournment the Third Reading of the Social Security and Housing Benefits Bill will be taken.
§ Lord ShinwellMy Lords, may I ask the Chief Whip a question arising from his announcement that a Statement made this afternoon in another place on the events which have occurred in the past 24 hours will be repeated here? Does he consider it sufficient in the circumstances, because of what has happened and because of those who may be regarded as responsible for what has occurred, to content ourselves with a few questions from selected individuals in your Lordships' House? Would it not be better, in all the circumstances, because this is a most deplorable event which cannot be ignored or covered up in any sense, to have a debate on the matter? In the circumstances, why should we not meet tomorrow, or at least on Monday, for the purpose of discussing the matter in a full debate?
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, I do not want to pre-empt anything that my noble friend will repeat by way of a Statement. The noble Lord, Lord Shinwell will be aware that normally such matters are discussed between the usual channels and not on the Floor of the House. However important the occasion is, I believe it would be a pity for the well-running of your Lordships' House if we should depart from this usual practice.