§ The House met at half-past two of the clock: The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
§ Prayers—Read by
the Lord Bishop of Newcastle.
§ Lord Netherthorpe —Sat first in Parliament after the death of his father.
§ The Lord Chancellor: Leave of Absence
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)My Lords, before the commencement of business, I take the opportunity to inform the House that I have accepted an invitation to deliver the McDermott Lecture, at the Queen's University, Belfast, on Friday 19th May. Accordingly, I trust that the House will agree to grant me leave of absence for Friday 19th May.