HC Deb 03 August 1972 vol 842 c976
Mr. C. Pannell

I had hoped to raise the following matter earlier, Mr. Speaker. In the announcement of business for next week by the Leader of the House we learnt that on the last day, on a very crowded occasion, there is to be a debate on the Select Committee's Report on how the next Speaker should be chosen. I do not believe that that was a matter that had to be hurried before the Summer Recess. Mr. Speaker celebrated his 68th birthday only last week, and should have another two Parliaments in front of him. I suggest that the debate could be put off until the next Session. We should give the office of the Speaker and the selection of the person to fill that office the degree of respect and leisurely appraisal that they deserve, and not be pushed along.

Mr. Speaker

On that agreeable note, I now ask the Clerk to proceed to read the Orders of the Day.