§ 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 visit the United States of America between 10th and 15th February to attend the William and Mary celebrations of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and to visit the Attorney General and the Chief Justice of the United States. Accordingly, I trust that the House will agree to grant me leave of absence on Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th February.