§ 3.7 p.m.
§ Lord HeskethMy Lords, I should like to say a word about this afternoon's debates standing in the names of the noble Lords, Lord Redesdale and Lord Mackie of Benshie. As the mover is allowed 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 Lord, Lord Redesdale, it means that all other speeches should be limited to a maximum of 14 minutes. If any noble Lord should speak at greater length he would do so at the expense of subsequent speakers in the debate. In the case of the debate in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Mackie of Benshie, the number of speakers is such that it is not necessary to propose a formal time limit. However, I am sure that noble Lords will agree that it would conform with the spirit of these short debates if they keep their speeches within the 15 minutes which apply to the mover of the Motion.