Yet it is in the Iraqi regime's interest to delay co-operation with the inspectors' demands for as long as possible.

ECONOMIST: In need of resolution

For a government with little interest in an effective second chamber, say sceptics, delay may be an advantage.

ECONOMIST: Government by committee

Backing the case for delay, shadow health minister Baroness Thornton said the "balance of public interest" lay with disclosure of the risk register, so peers could make the legislation as effective as possible.

BBC: Peers reject call to delay NHS bill