§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)My Lords, before the commencement of business I take this opportunity to inform the House that, with the approval of Her Majesty the Queen, I have accepted an invitation from the President of the International Court of Justice in The Hague to attend a launching of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Peace Palace on Monday next. Accordingly, I trust that the House will grant me leave of absence for Monday next.