§ 2.58 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 Viscount, Lord Hanworth, and the noble and learned Lord, Lord Simon of Glaisdale. As the mover is allowed approximately 15 minutes and the Minister should rise to reply not less than 20 minutes before the scheduled end of the debate, in the case of the noble Viscount the number of speakers is such that it is not necessary to propose a formal time limit. But I know that the House would appreciate it if noble Lords would keep their speeches within the limits imposed by the spirit of these short debates.
In the case of the short debate in the name of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Simon of Glaisdale, it means that all other speeches should be limited to a maximum of seven minutes. As that is a rather meagre ration, to encroach on other speakers' time would be even more unfair. I think I should remind noble Lords that the time is up when the figure 7 appears on the clock and not the figure 8.