§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)My Lords, before the commencement of business, I take the opportunity to inform the House that, with the approval of Her Majesty the Queen, I have accepted an invitation from the President of the Portuguese Parliament to attend a conference of European Speakers to be held in Lisbon on 6th and 7th June. Accordingly, I trust that the House will agree to grant me leave of absence for Thursday 5th June and Friday 6th June.