§ 3.10 p.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, I should like to say a word about the arrangements for this afternoon's two short debates standing in the names of my noble friends Lord Campbell of Croy and Lord Rippon of Hexham. On the principle that the mover is allowed 15 minutes and that the Minister should rise to reply not less than 20 minutes before the scheduled end of the debate, in the case of the short debate in the name of my noble friend Lord Campbell of Croy the number of speakers is such that it is not necessary to propose a formal time limit. However, I know that noble Lords will keep their speeches within limits compatible with the spirit of these short debates. In the case of the short debate in the name of my noble friend Lord Rippon of Hexham, it means that all other speeches should be limited to a maximum of 12 minutes.
§ Lord RentonMy Lords, perhaps I may intervene here to inform the House that I shall be unable to take part in the second debate. That may give some Members a minute more in which to speak.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, I am afraid that my powers of instant mathematics are not capable of saying whether my noble friend is absolutely right 1384 in his calculation about giving each speaker a minute extra in the debate. However, perhaps I may take a little time outside the Chamber to consider the calculation and thereafter advise speakers on the matter.