HC Deb 01 May 1857 vol 145 cc13-4

The House being met, and Mr. SPEAKER ELECT having taken the Chair;

A Message was delivered by Sir Augustus Clifford, Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod:

Mr. Speaker,

The Lords, authorized by virtue of a Royal Commission, desire the immediate attendance of this Honourable House in the House of Peers.

Accordingly, Mr. Speaker Elect, with the House, went up to the House of Peers, where he was presented to the said Lords Commissioners for Her Majesty's approbation.

Then the LORD CHANCELLOR, one of the said Lords Commissioners, signified Her Majesty's approbation of Mr. Speaker Elect.

The House being returned;

MR. SPEAKER

said: I have to acquaint the House that the House has been to the House of Peers; where Her Majesty was pleased, by Her Commissioners, to approve of the choice the House have made of myself to be their Speaker; and that I have, in their name, and on their behalf, by humble petition to Her Majesty, laid claim to all their ancient rights and privileges, particularly that their persons, and servants, might be free from arrests and all molestations; that they may enjoy liberty of speech in all their debates; may have access to Her Majesty's Royal Person whenever occasion shall require; and that all their proceedings may receive from Her Majesty the most favourable construction; which Her Majesty, by Her said Commissioners, has confirmed to the House in as full and ample a manner as they have been heretofore granted or allowed by Her Majesty or any of Her Majesty's Royal Predecessors. Once more repeating my most respectful acknowledgments for the high honour which the House has conferred upon me, I have to remind the House that the next duty which we have to perform is that every Member should take and subscribe the oaths prescribed by law.

And thereupon Mr. Speaker first alone, standing upon the upper step of the Chair, took the oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, and delivered to the Clerk of the House an account of his qualification.

Then several Members took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and took and subscribed the Oath of Abjuration, and delivered to the Clerk of the House an account of their qualification.

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow.