On Monday next the nation will be paying tribute in Westminster Abbey to the memory of "Rab" Butler, to whom the House paid tribute recently. Exceptionally, if not uniquely, this memorial service for an outstanding parliamentarian will be held at 2..30 pm, while the House sits.

I intend, on Monday, to ask the Deputy Speaker, the Chairman of Ways and Means, to take my place at Question Time while I attend the memorial service with the other two Deputy Speakers. I shall, of course, return to take my place in the Chair immediately after the Abbey service.