§ 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 Allen of Abbeydale, and the noble Lord, Lord Harris of High Cross. It is customary in short debates that the mover is allowed approximately 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 Allen of Abbeydale, it means that all other speeches should be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes. In the case of the short debate in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Harris of High Cross, the number of speakers is such that it is not necessary to propose any formal time limit, but I am confident that noble Lords will keep the length of their speeches within limits that are compatible with the spirit of these short debates.