Arrangement of Business

Announcement

15:06:00

Lord Bassam of Brighton
My Lords, as there is no speakers list for today’s debate, it might be helpful if I say a few words about the expected running order. The debate will be opened by the Chairman of Committees, the noble Lord, Lord Brabazon of Tara, who will be followed by my noble friend the Leader of the House, Lady Royall, the noble Lord, Lord Strathclyde, the noble Lord, Lord McNally, and the noble Baroness, Lady D’Souza. At that point, the House may wish to hear from the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Chester, before other noble Lords rise to speak. With the leave of the House, my noble friend the Leader of the House will reply to the debate.

Lord Peston
My Lords, I am extremely puzzled by this method of doing business today. If the Chairman of Committees is introducing the debate, which is about a proposal from the House Committee, why is he not replying to it?

Lord Bassam of Brighton
My Lords, my noble friend the Leader of the House feels that it is right, and I believe that the House will agree that it is right, that the Government should conclude the debate since they are ultimately the paymaster.