§ 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 approval of Her Majesty the Queen, I am to visit Sweden at the invitation of the Swedish Speaker between the dates of Friday 8th and Monday 11th December. Accordingly, I trust that the House will agree to grant me leave of absence on Monday 11th December.