§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, with the leave of the House, I should like to say a word about the two short debates standing in the names of the noble Earl, Lord Perth, and the noble Lord, Lord Irvine of Lairg. As is customary in short debates, 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 debate in the name of the noble Earl all other speakers' speeches should be limited to a maximum of six minutes and, in the debate of the noble Lord, to 10 minutes. If any noble Lord were to speak at greater length, it would be at the expense of subsequent speakers in that debate.
§ Lord Hatch of LusbyMy Lords, perhaps through the noble Lord, the Government Chief Whip, I may put a question to the noble Lord the Leader of the House. This afternoon in another place a Private Notice Question has been tabled concerning the invasion of a church in Manchester this morning by the police and the arrest of a Sri Lankan citizen, in order, I believe, to effect his deportation. Is this not a matter of the utmost urgency? Does it not concern not only the relations between the Church and the state but also the whole issue of human rights? Would it not be proper for the noble Lord to make a Statement to this House immediately after the Private Notice Question has been asked in another place?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Belstead)My Lords, it is a fact that a Private Notice Question on this subject will be asked in another place this afternoon. It was offered in the usual way through the usual channels to be repeated as a Statement in your Lordships' 243 House this afternoon and it was decided not to take that course.
§ Lord Hatch of LusbyMy Lords, I accept that it was offered but is it not the responsibility of the Government in these circumstances to make a Statement on a matter of such very grave urgency to Members of Parliament who sit in this House?
§ Lord BelsteadMy Lords, I think that what arises from the noble Lord's question to me this afternoon is a query as to whether the arrangements and the procedures in your Lordships' House for dealing with a Private Notice Question in another place and informing the House are working properly. I believe that they are. As I have said, as is customary in this House, it was offered through the usual channels to be repeated as a Statement and the decision was made that it was not wished for.