§ 3.32 p.m.
§ Lord CarterMy Lords, at a convenient moment after 3.30 p.m., my noble friend Lady Jay of Paddington will, with the leave of the House, repeat a Statement that is to be made in another place on health expenditure.
Regarding the Summer Recess, it may be for the convenience of the House if I announce that, subject as always to the progress of business, the House will rise on Friday 31st July. The House will sit at 11 a.m. on that day and will return on Monday 5th October. I am grateful to the Opposition Chief Whip and the Liberal Democrat Chief Whip for agreeing the business through the usual channels in such a way that sitting into August will not be necessary. However, I repeat that this is subject, as always, to the progress of business.
Perhaps I may take this opportunity to remind your Lordships that the staff of the House have a significant amount of building refurbishment and other work to complete in the Summer Recess. Unfortunately, there will be a certain level of disruption and noise. Black Rod has asked me to assure the House that everything possible will be done to keep the disruption to a minimum.