§ 3.30 p.m.
§ Lord CarterMy Lords, as your Lordships are aware, I always do my best to facilitate your Lordships' arrangements by announcing the Recess dates as far as possible in advance. The middle of October is a long way ahead to start to think about Christmas. However, I know that it will not be long before your Lordships start to ask me for the Christmas Recess dates. I am surprised that I have not already been asked.
Whenever I announce Recess dates I always use the formula that it is, "Subject to the progress of business". I draw your Lordships' attention to the fact that this year there is particular uncertainty about predicting events so far ahead. The events of 11th September seem likely to result in emergency legislation of one kind or another. We may well have to change our plans to accommodate whatever is necessary.
711 Having said that, and subject to the progress of business, the House will sit at 11 a.m. on Thursday 20th December and rise for the Christmas Recess at the end of business on that day. We shall return at 2.30 p.m. on Monday 7th January next year.