§ 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 consent of Her Majesty the Queen, I am to attend a Conference of Commonwealth Speakers in Kingston, Jamaica, from Monday 6th January to Friday 10th January 1992. Accordingly, I trust that the House will grant me leave of absence for Thursday 9th January 1992.