§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)My Lords, before the commencement of business, I take the opportunity to inform the House that with the approval of Her Majesty the Queen, I have accepted an invitation to attend the Conference of European Ministers of Justice in Lisbon and the European Speakers' Conference in Berne between 20th and 24th June. Accordingly, I trust that the House will agree to grant me leave of absence for the relevant period.