I wish to make a statement about the two minutes' silence.

As the House will know, next Tuesday is 11 November, Remembrance day. Although this House will not be sitting at 11 o'clock, the parallel Chamber in Westminster Hall will be sitting, and right hon. and hon. Members, their staff and officials in the House will also be attending to their duties at that time. I regard it as appropriate that we should join the nation in observing the two minutes' silence at 11 o'clock, so that we might remember those who gave their lives for their country and to help preserve our democratic freedoms.

I should be grateful if those responsible for chairing Westminster Hall and any other Committees at that time would make appropriate arrangements. Instructions will also be issued to heads of House Departments so that those members of staff who wish to observe the two minutes' silence will be enabled to do so.