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Grand Committee

Before the Minister moves the first order to be considered today, could I say a word or two about the procedure for today’s Grand Committee? Our proceedings are essentially the same as those in the House. Your Lordships will speak standing and all noble Lords are free to attend and participate; the proceedings will be reported in Hansard. As there is more than one item of business today, each item will be called by the Clerk and in the case of each order the Motion before the Committee will be that the Committee do report that it has considered the order in question. In the case of orders that have been spoken to, this Motion will be abbreviated, which I hope the Committee will find helpful. I make it clear to your Lordships that this Committee is charged only to consider orders, not to approve or not approve them. The Motion to approve will be made in the Chamber in the usual way.