§ 7.50 p.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, before the House resumes itself into Committee on the Patents, Designs and Marks Bill it may be for the convenience of the House if I announce that it has been agreed through the usual channels that the House will sit on Friday morning at 11 a.m. to debate the situation in Libya. The Motion will be in the following terms:
That this House takes note of the circumstances surrounding the United States action in Libya".The Motion will stand in the name of my noble friend the Lord President of the Council.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, we are very grateful to the noble Lord the Government Chief Whip for making that statement and to him and the noble Viscount the Leader of the House for arranging this debate on such an important subject for Friday next. I wonder whether we can assume that it will be a five-hour debate starting at 11 a.m. and finishing at 4 p.m.
§ Baroness SeearMy Lords, we should also like to thank the Government Chief Whip for arranging the debate. We are very grateful that he has been able to put it on so speedily, since it is a matter of great urgency.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos, the Leader of the Opposition and to the noble Baroness the Leader of the Liberal Party for their remarks. If it is generally convenient to the House, it will be useful to have a five-hour debate, particularly in view of the fact that we do not want to keep the House too late on Friday afternoon.
§ Lord KilmarnockMy Lords, does that mean that the noble Lord the Chief Whip will tomorrow table the Motion necessary for the time limitation?
§ Lord DenhamYes, my Lords.