§ Mr. SpeakerI have to tell the House that I have today informed Her Majesty the Queen of my intention to relinquish the office of Speaker. I propose to do so on 3rd February next, the tenth sitting day from today. This is in accordance with Standing Order No. 103A and the First Report of the Select Committee on Procedure, during the Session 1971–72, ordered to be printed on 26th January 1972.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Edward Short)The whole House, Mr. Speaker, will have learned with very much regret of your decision to relinquish your office. I understand that it is your own wish that there should be no 1137 speeches on this occasion, but there will, of course, be an opportunity to speak on your retirement later. However, I think that it would be for the convenience of the House now that I should outline the procedure for electing your successor in accordance with Standing Order No. 103A.
On Tuesday 3rd February I understand, Mr. Speaker, that you would wish to make a statement to the House. After this, the usual motion to mark your long and distinguished service will be moved. That motion will also give the House the opportunity to pay its tributes to you.
Accordingly, after your statement and the following speeches, I would propose that the House will then proceed immediately to the election of a new Speaker under the procedure laid down under Standing Order No. 103A with you, Mr. Speaker, still in the Chair. After you have put the Question, or Questions, as a result of which the new Speaker will be elected, you will leave the Chair and the Speaker-Elect will then be conducted to the Chair. Thereafter the procedure will follow that of previous occasions.