HC Deb 30 April 1880 vol 252 cc16-7

The House being met, and Mr. SPEAKER ELECT having taken the Chair, a Message was delivered by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod:

"MR. SPEAKER,

"The Lords authorized by virtue of Her Majesty's 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 the Royal 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

I have to report to the House that, in the House of Peers, Her Majesty by Her Royal Commissioners has been pleased to approve the choice made of myself for the Office of your Speaker, and that I have, in your name and on your behalf, laid claim by humble Petition to Her Majesty to all your ancient rights and privileges— freedom of speech in debate, freedom from arrest for your persons and servants, freedom of access to Her Majesty whenever occasion may require, and that the most favourable construction may be placed upon all your proceedings. All these Her Majesty, by Her Commissioners, has been pleased to grant and confirm in as ample a manner as they have ever been granted or confirmed by Herself or by any of Her Royal Predecessors.

My first duty to the House is to repeat my very respectful acknowledgments and my grateful thanks for the great honour you have conferred upon me in again placing me in the Chair.

I must now call upon the Members of the House, according to the usual custom, to take the Oath of Allegiance at the Table of the House.

And thereupon Mr. SPEAKER, first alone, standing upon the upper step of the Chair, took and subscribed the Oath, and after him several other Members took and subscribed the Oath; and several other Members made and subscribed the Affirmation required by Law.

House adjourned at Five o'clock till Two o'clock To-morrow.

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