HC Deb 22 April 1820 vol 1 cc10-1

The House met at two o'clock, and was immediately after summoned by the Black Rod to the House of Peers. On their return,

The Speaker

informed the House, that they had been in the House of Peers, where the commissioners, authorized by his majesty's commission, had communicated to him that his majesty had been graciously pleased to approve of their choice of him as Speaker. He had thereupon immediately proceeded to claim for them their ancient rights and privileges of freedom of speech, freedom from arrest for themselves and servants, free access to the royal presence, &c. all of which his majesty had been graciously pleased to grant to them in as full and ample manner as ever had been granted on any former occasion. He must again express the deep sense of gratitude which he felt to the House for having thus conferred on him this, the highest mark of confidence in their power; and he must now implore them to give him their constant support to enable him to preserve their privilege which were not only theirs, but the privileges of all the Commons of England. He had also to entreat their constant and unremitting support and assistance in preserving the established rules and orders of the House; not less necessary for the preservation of decency and regularity in their proceedings, than they were for the convenient dispatch of business. It should be his constant study so to discharge the duties of his high situation as to give satisfaction to the House, and in such a manner as should be most useful to the public, and conducive to his own honour. The first business which gentlemen had now to attend the was, to take the several oaths of supremacy, abjuration, &c. indispensably necessary to qualify them to take their seats.

The Speaker then proceeded to take the oaths himself, and was followed by numerous other members.