He(I) photoelectron (p.e.) spectraof (i) themonomeric, presumed-bent, compounds MR₂, M(NR′₂)₂, and M(NR′R″)₂[M = Ge, Sn, or Pb; R = CH(SiMe₃)₂, R′= SiMe₃, and R″= CMe₃], (ii) the linear HgR₂ and M′(NR′₂)₂(M = Zn or Hg), and (iii) the bent momomeric SnCl₂ and SnBr₂ have been recorded, as well as the reference compounds RH, R′₂NH, and R′R″NH. For the Group 4 metal(II) alkyls the first vertical ionisation potential (i.p.) is close to that of the free metal; the metal lone-pair orbital is progressively higher in M(NR′R″), and M(NR′₂)₂, in which compounds it is the second band, being preceded by the antibonding b₂ molecular orbital (m.o.) formed by the nitrogen lone-pair atomic orbitals (a.o.s). Confirmation of this assignment is also provided by comparison of data for the bent and linear metal(II) amides; in the latter, nitrogen lone-pair interactions are negligible. Assignments, on the basis of trends and, for MX₂, of CNDO calculations, are prooosed and trends noted. There is evidence of substantial N→Si p_π–d_π interaction in the amides.