§ Mr. SpeakerI wish to make a statement.
The House was good enough to grant me leave of absence to attend the ceremonial sitting of Tynwald in the Isle of 436 Man yesterday, to mark the centenary of the democratically elected House of Keys.
Yesterday, with other Speakers, I attended Tynwald, meeting in the open air in accordance with the ancient custom of the Manx Parliament. Nothing could have been more warmhearted and hospitable than the way in which the Isle of Man marked this notable centenary of its famous Parliamentary institution.
I know that the House will wish me to extend to the Government of the Isle of Man, and, in particular, to my fellow Speaker of the House of Keys, the most cordial thanks for the way in which I was received during these ceremonies, not in my own name but as representative of this honourable House.