§ 3.2 p.m.
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, I should like to say a few words about the arrangements for this afternoon's two short debates standing in the names of the noble Lord, Lord Hatch of Lusby, and the noble Viscount, Lord Buckmaster. As is the custom in short debates, the mover is allowed approximately 15 minutes and the Minister should rise to reply not 942 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 Hatch of Lusby, 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 Viscount, Lord Buckmaster, 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 the limits that are compatible with the spirit of these short debates.