§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Herbert Bowden)With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a statement.
The Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey have suggested that during the 900th anniversary year of the Abbey there should be a service attended by Members, officers and staff of the two Houses of Parliament.
The Government are anxious to meet their wishes in this respect, and it is, therefore, proposed that the House of Commons should go as a House to Westminster Abbey at 12 noon on Wednesday, 29th June, to attend such a service. It is understood that the House of Lords will also be present at the Service.
It is proposed that the House should meet for Prayers at 11 a.m. and that the sitting should then be suspended to enable Members to take their places in the North Transept of the Abbey. Shortly before 12 noon, Mr. Speaker's Procession will leave the Chamber for the Abbey, followed by right hon. and hon. Members from the two Front Benches.
After the service, the House will return and the sitting will be resumed at 2.30 p.m.