HL Deb 16 January 1986 vol 469 c1165
The Lord President of the Council (Viscount Whitelaw)

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.

Moved, That the debates on the Motions in the names of the Lord Irving of Dartford and the Lord Gallacher set down for 22nd January shall each be limited to 2½ hours and that Standing Order 35 and paragraphs 10 to 13 of the Rules for the Conduct of Short Debates shall apply to each debate.—(Viscount Whitelaw.)

The Lord Chancellor

My Lords, the Question is that the said Motion be agreed to?

As many as are of that opinion will say, Content? … To the contrary—

Lord Taylor of Blackburn

My Lords, may I at this point ask—

The Lord Chancellor

My Lords, I am so sorry. I apologise. I did not see the noble Lord rise. I was not trying to pre-empt his speech.

Lord Taylor of Blackburn

My Lords, it is quite all right. Actually, I was trying to ask the Leader of the House if there is any way in which we can say "Thank you" to servants of the House who are retiring. I know that this will create a precedent but I would be grateful if the noble Viscount would consider it. Many of us learnt this week that the Head Doorkeeper is retiring after many years of service to the House. Many of us, I believe, would like to say thank you for his services and wish him well in his retirement. Very often there are others whose retirement we do not know about until they have left the House of Lords. Is there some way in which we can officially say thank you for their services?

Viscount Whitelaw

My Lords, I understand from the Chief Whip that I am now taking part in a disorderly procedure. This is clearly not something that I ought to do. However, in view of the good point made by the noble Lord, may I say simply that I will look into this question with the appropriate authorities.

On Question, Motion agreed to.