§ Mr. SpeakerI wish to report to the House that I have received a letter from my predecessor in this Chair, which I desire to read to the House:
§ "DEAR MR. SPEAKER,
§ Owing to the Prorogation in October last, and the immediate Dissolution of the last Parliament, I was unable to make any statement to the House as to my resignation or to say how deep has been my sense of the honour done to me by my election in three successive Parliaments to the high office of Speaker.
§ When I was called to that office early in 1943, the tide of war was running grievously against this country. London had gone through three and a half grim years of struggle, when often the odds had seemed heavy against our cause, but Parliament had stood firm and valiant for the cause of freedom. To be chosen as Speaker in the wartime House of Commons, although our Chamber was in ruins and the Speaker's House unhabitable, was a high honour indeed.
§ No Speaker, I believe, has been more privileged than I was in presiding over the House on the two great days of victory in 1945 and again last year when we first occupied this new Chamber. Although this is a new House of Commons, there are many Members who have served with me, and I should be grateful if you would express to them (and through them to the Members of 172 previous Parliaments) my deep gratitude for the tolerance, friendship and help which they have accorded to me.
§ For me and for my wife, this will be for the rest of our lives both a happy and a very cherished memory. I would also wish to express my thanks to my staff, to the Table and the staff of the Clerks' Department, to the Serjeant-at-Arms and all his staff, and also those many other servants of the House, including the police and custodians, with all of whom I have had the happiest relations.
§ Let me again, Sir, assure you and the House of Commons how greatly honoured I am to have been chosen and to have occupied for eight and a half years the great office of Speaker of the House of Commons.
§ I am, Sir,
§ Very sincerely yours.
§ DOUGLAS CLIFTON BROWN."
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Harry Crookshank)Arising out of the letter which you have just read to us, Mr. Speaker, I beg to give notice of our intention to move the customary Motion at an early date.