§ Lord GrocottMy Lords, I need to relay a short item of business to the House and I am sure that noble Lords will be patient and understanding. The next debate is a very important one on defence. The Minister, my noble friend Lord Bach, was scheduled to be back in the House in good time for the debate. Today he has been visiting the Royal Navy at Faslane. His plane has been delayed. Although I keep looking at the door, it is expected that we shall be able to start the debate in 20 minutes' time, at 3.35 p.m.
Obviously it would be inappropriate to start the debate when the Minister is not in his place. This has been discussed in the usual channels, but more particularly with the noble Lord, Lord King of Bridgwater. Everyone has been most understanding. For the first time in my life I have watched Question Time hoping desperately that the questions would be longer. However, in the circumstances, the sensible action is to adjourn the House.
§ Lord SelsdonMy Lords, before the noble Lord sits down, perhaps I may ask him one question. As he has said that this is an important debate, why are so few Members on the Government Benches speaking in it?
§ Lord GrocottMy Lords, the answer is that Members on these Benches are in total support of the Government. In particular, my noble friend Lord Bach will be adequately equipped to deal with any queries that may arise. I beg to move that the House do now adjourn until 3.35 p.m.
§ Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
§ [The Sitting was suspended from 3.15 to 3.35 p.m.]