Attendance at debate

25.81A Member of the Lords who is taking part in a debate is expected to attend the greater part of that debate. It is considered discourteous for them not to be present for the opening speeches, for at least the speech before and that following their own, and for the winding-up speeches.1 A Member of the Lords who becomes aware that they are unlikely to be able to stay until the end of a debate should remove their name from the speakers' list.2 Ministers may decide not to answer, orally or in writing, points made by a speaker who does not stay to hear the Minister's closing speech.