§ 3.8 p.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, after the short debate on German unification and before the short debate on private health care insurance schemes, my noble friend Lord Brabazon of Tara will, with the leave of the House, repeat a Statement that is to be made in another place on the Foreign Secretary's visit to Hong Kong.
With the leave of the House, I should like to make the customary statement about the length of speeches in the two short debates standing in the names of the noble Lord, Lord Callaghan of Cardiff, and my noble friend Lord Bruce-Gardyne. In the case of the debate tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Callaghan of Cardiff, going on the principle that the opening speaker is allowed 15 minutes, and that my noble friend Lord Brabazon of Tara, rises to reply 20 minutes before the scheduled end of the debate, all speeches should be limited to a maximum of five minutes. In the case of my noble friend's debate, the number of speakers is such that it is not necessary to impose a standard but I know that your Lordships will confidently expect speeches to be kept within limits compatible with the spirit of these short debates.
§ Lord Taylor of GryfeMy Lords, I wish to ask the Leader of the House a question. What is the method by which a two-and-a-half-hour debate is allocated? Could it not have been anticipated that the matter raised by the noble Lord, Lord Callaghan, would be of great interest and therefore worthy of a five-hour debate?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Belstead)My Lords, these debates are drawn by ballot.