§ 3.4 p.m.
§ Baroness Gardner of ParkesMy Lords, under Standing Order 40(2), I beg leave to ask the Question standing in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Monkswell.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they consider that the right of schools to choose their pupils is more important than the right of parents to choose their children's schools.
§ Baroness Gardner of ParkesMy Lords, I understand that the noble Lord, Lord Monkswell, notified the House that he would not be available and perhaps just overlooked arranging for some colleague to ask the Question for him. It is an important and topical Question and I know that the House would wish to discuss it. Under Standing Order 40(2), with the unanimous leave of the House we are entitled to consider this Question. I hope that on such an important issue the House will grant me leave to ask the Question.
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, leave is not unanimous.