§ Earl Winterton(by Private Notice) asked the Lord President of the Council if he has any statement to make about the opening of the new Chamber of the House of Commons.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am glad to be able to tell the House that the new Chamber 2241 will be ready for occupation on 23rd October. It is proposed to meet there for the first time on Thursday, 26th October, and His Majesty The King has graciously signified to Mr. Speaker that he will be pleased to receive Addresses from both Houses on that date. The arrangements have been under consideration by an informal Committee of representatives of both Houses over which Mr. Speaker has presided, and the full details will be made known in good time. I may, however, say now that Mr. Speaker will be sending invitations to the Speakers or other presiding officers of the lower Houses of the Legislatures of Commonwealth countries, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, and of Colonial Legislatures with unofficial majorities.
I should like on behalf of the House to acknowledge our indebtedness to Mr. Speaker for presiding over the informal Committee and for the close personal interest which he is taking in the arrangements.
§ Earl WintertonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all of us who were Members of that conference would like to be associated with the tribute which the Lord President has paid to you, Mr. Speaker, for presiding over those very happy and harmonious proceedings?