§ The House met at Twelve of the clock.
§ The House being met, and Mr. SPEAKER-ELECT having taken the Chair, 19 a Message was delivered by the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod:
§ "MR. SPEAKER,
§ "The Lords, authorised 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, when 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 (standing in his usual place)I have to acquaint the House that, in the House of Peers, Her Majesty, through Her Royal Commissioners, has been pleased to approve of the choice that you have made of me as 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 of your persons and servants, and freedom of access at all times when opportunity offers to Her Majesty, and that the most favourable construction may be placed on all your proceedings. All these privileges, Her Majesty, through Her Commissioners, has approved and confirmed in as ample a manner as any of Her Royal Predecessors.
It is my duty once more to thank the House for the honour done to me in placing me here, and I have now to ask hon. Members to follow me in taking the Oath at the Table. It may be for the convenience of the House if I state what has already been stated in printed papers circulated among Mem- 20 bers, that Privy Councillors and those who have been in the Ministry should in the first place take the Oath at the Table. It has been thought convenient to follow a precedent in this, which seemed to meet with the approval of the House: that not more than five Members at a time should present themselves at the Table to take the Oath, and if hon. Members will kindly not present themselves when they see five Members at the Table, I think it will conduce to the regularity of our proceeding and the despatch of the duty of taking the Oath.
Mr. SPEAKER then took and subscribed the Oath first alone; 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 a quarter after Four o'clock.