§ 3.2 p.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, I should like to say a word about the arrangements for this afternoon's two Short Debates standing in the names of the noble Lord, Lord Molloy, and the noble Viscount, Lord Buckmaster. On the principle that the mover is allowed approxi- 1028 mately 15 minutes and that the Minister should rise to reply not less than 20 minutes before the scheduled end of the debate, in the case of the Short Debate in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Molloy, this means that all other speeches should be limited to a maximum of 11 minutes. If any noble Lord should speak at greater length he would do so at the expense of subsequent speakers in the debate. In that of the noble Viscount, Lord Buckmaster, the number of speakers is such that it is not necessary to propose a formal time limit, but I know that noble Lords will confine their speeches within limits compatible with the spirit of these Short Debates.