§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)My Lords, before the commencement of business, I take the opportunity to inform the House that I have accepted an invitation to attend a luncheon at the Guildhall in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the mayoralty. Accordingly, I trust that the House will agree to grant me leave of absence for Wednesday, 8th February.