§ The House met at Two of the clock.
§ The Lords Commissioners, namely— The LORD CHANCELLOR, The Duke of ST. ALBANS, The Marquess of AILESBURY, The Earl of KIMBERLEY (Secretary of State for the Colonies), and The Lord HATHERLEY—being in their Robes, and seated on a Form between the Throne and the Woolsack, and the Commons, who were sent for, being at the Bar,
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR said—
§ "My Lords, and Gentlemen,
§ "We have it further in command from Her Majesty to acquaint you that, since the time when Her Majesty deemed it right to call you together, for the consideration of many grave and important matters, several vacancies have occurred in the House of Commons owing to the acceptance of Office from the Crown by Members of that House.
§ "It is therefore Her Majesty's pleasure that an opportunity may now be given to issue Writs for supplying the vacancies so occasioned, and that, after a suitable Recess, you may proceed to the consideration of such matters as will then be laid before you.
§ "But it is Her Majesty's pleasure that such Recess be not an impediment to the Meeting of the House of Lords for Judicial Business during the continuance thereof at such times as may be convenient."
§ Then the Commons withdrew.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.
§ Several Lords—Took the Oath.