Announcement
My Lords, it is that time in the parliamentary year when there are a number of debates on the Order Paper. Indeed, we have one this afternoon: the Second Reading of the Digital Economy Bill. This may therefore be a good time to remind noble Lords of the guidance in the Companion about attendance at debates. The Companion is clear that a Member of the House who is taking part in a debate is expected to attend the greater part of the debate. Members who become aware in advance that they are unlikely to be able to stay until the end of the debate should remove their names from the list of speakers. It goes without saying that noble Lords participating in a debate must always be present for the opening speeches.