(10 years, 11 months ago)
Lords Chamber Lord Bassam of Brighton (Lab)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Lord Bassam of Brighton (Lab) 
        
    
        
    
        My Lords, before we go further with this, it is now 10 o’clock. I get the sense that the House will be detained for a considerable time. Usually, the House concludes at 10 o’clock. Perhaps the Government can explain how much longer they intend the debate to continue. It is extremely unusual for us to consider a controversial measure such as this so late in the day and for us to continue so long at this late hour. Perhaps someone from the Government Front Bench can explain exactly how they intend to proceed.
 Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con) 
        
    
        
    
        My Lords, usually where there is no limit on time for debates such as this, it is advised that people keep within 15 minutes— but given the lateness of the hour, perhaps the general principle of the House is that people keep their contributions brief.