THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY BOUVERIE WILLIAM BRAND, Speaker Elect, said—
MY LORDS,I have to acquaint your Lordships, that in obedience to Her Majesty's commands, the Commons have, according to their undoubted rights and privileges, proceeded to the election of a Speaker, and that their; choice has fallen upon myself. I now present myself at your Lordships Bar, and submit myself with all humility to Her Majesty's gracious approbation.
Then THE LORD CHANCELLORsaid,
MR. BRAND,We are commanded to assure you that Her Majesty is so fully sensible of your zeal for the public service, and of your ample sufficiency to execute the arduous duties which Her faithful Commons have selected you to discharge, that She does most readily approve and confirm you as their Speaker.
Then MR. SPEAKERsaid—
MY LORDS,I submit myself with all humility and gratitude to Her Majesty's gracious commands, and it is now my duty in the name and on behalf of the Commons of the United Kingdom to lay claim by 16 humble petition to Her Majesty to all their ancient and undoubted rights and privileges; particularly to freedom of speech in debate; to freedom from arrest of their persons and servants; to free access to Her Majesty when occasion shall require; and that the most favourable construction should be put upon all their proceedings; and with regard to myself I pray that if any error should be committed it may be imputed to myself, and not to Her Majesty's loyal Commons.
Then THE LORD CHANCELLORsaid,
MR. SPEAKER,We have it further in command to inform you, that Her Majesty does most readily confirm all the rights and privileges which have ever been granted to or conferred upon the Commons by any of Her Royal Predecessors.With respect to yourself, Sir, although Her Majesty is sensible that you stand in no need of such assurance, Her Majesty will ever put the most favourable construction upon your words and actions."
§ Then the Commons withdrew.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.
§ His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge—Singly took the Oath.
§ His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales—Singly took the Oath. Several Lords—Took the Oath.