Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)
My Lords, before we begin, I will make my usual brief remarks. First, I reiterate the thanks, on behalf of the whole House, to all staff across the House for supporting this Sitting today. I know that noble Lords will be aware of the huge amount of work that takes place to enable us to sit today, at the end of another long week and a very late night on Wednesday.
I will not repeat everything I have said before at length, but I should, as usual, remind noble Lords of some key points. I will adjourn proceedings today at around 6 pm. Any noble Lord can, of course, seek to bring the debate to an end earlier by moving a Motion that the House be now resumed. I hope we can conclude the group we are on when we finish at around 6 pm but, if necessary, I will adjourn the House in the middle of a group. The clerks will compile a list of all noble Lords in attendance at the beginning of that, and noble Lords will be able to check at the Table that their names have been recorded properly. Only those present at the start of the group can participate when the adjourned debate begins on the next Committee day. It is, though, easier if we all work together to ensure that we complete the group we are on when we get close to the rising time, rather than having to break mid-group.
My noble and learned friend Lord Falconer of Thoroton has set the target for today. As I have said before, I hope that, with discipline and the usual courtesies, we can progress towards the target. The Whips will facilitate a short 40-minute lunch break at a convenient point around 1 pm to assist everyone. For general guidance on how noble Lords should conduct themselves, I highly recommend the Companion, particularly paragraph 4.29 on page 60 and paragraphs 8.81 and 8.82 on page 143.
I am very conscious that next week is the final week before the Easter Recess and noble Lords are due a well-earned break. I have therefore decided that next Friday I will seek to adjourn the House at around 3 pm rather than 6 pm. I hope that helps noble Lords with travel planning.