§ 11.32 a.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, it may be for the convenience of the House if I say a few words about today's debate on South Africa, in which 35 noble Lords are due to speak. Although this is not a timed debate, Front Bench opening and winding up speakers of all parties have agreed to exercise voluntary restraint, and to limit their speeches to a maximum of 20 minutes in the case of the Government and 15 minutes in that of the Opposition parties. But even so if Back-Bench speakers were to take on average 10 minutes each, the debate would not end until about 5.30 p.m. Noble Lords will no doubt wish to bear this 1159 chilling prospect in mind when they come to address the House and the position would be markedly improved if the average could come down to seven minutes each.
§ Lord ShepherdMy Lords, would it not have been an advantage if we had had that Statement before Question Time, bearing in mind that the House took 25 minutes for three Questions?
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, yes; but unfortunately the Orders of your Lordships' House say that Business Statements come after Questions.