§ 3.15 p.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, after the end of the short debate on family courts and before the short debate on the report of the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis, my noble friend Lord Arran will, with the leave of the House, repeat a Statement that is to be made in another place on polytechnics and inner London.
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 McGregor of Durris, and the noble Lord, Lord Harris of Greenwich. It is customary in short debates, for the mover to be allowed approximately 15 minutes, and for the Minister to 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 McGregor of Durris, it means that all other speeches should be limited to a maximum of 11 minutes. I wish to point out that when the figure 11 appears on the clock the time limit has already been exceeded. In the case of the short debate in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Harris of Greenwich, the number of speakers is such that it is not necessary to propose any formal time limit, but I know that the House will appreciate it if the noble Lords keep the length of their speeches within limits that are compatible with the spirit of these short debates.