§ 2.53 p.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, it may be for the convenience of your Lordships if I say a few words at this point about the arrangements for this afternoon's short debates standing in the names of the noble Viscount, Lord Buckmaster, and my noble friend Lord Massereene and Ferrard. It is customary in short debates that the mover is allowed approximately 15 minutes and that the Minister should rise to reply not less than 20 minutes before the scheduled end of the debate.
936 In the case of the short debate in the name of the noble Viscount, Lord Buckmaster, this means that all other speeches should be limited to a maximum of 11 minutes. If any noble Lord should speak at greater length, it will be to the disadvantage of subsequent speakers in the debate. In the case of the short debate in the name of my noble friend Lord Massereene and Ferrard the number of noble Lords wishing to speak is such that the standard will be even longer and it is not necessary to propose any formal time limit. I feel sure, however, that noble Lords speaking in both debates would wish to exercise a voluntary restraint in keeping with the spirit of these short debates.