§ 11.4 a.m.
§ Mr. John Biggs-Davison (Epping Forest)With the closing of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, I have the honour to present a public petition signed by more than 10,000 loyal people, including Her Majesty's Lieutenant for the County of Essex and the Chairman of the Essex County Council, being one of Her Majesty's Deputy Lord Lieutenants for the said county.
The petition, which is brief, is as follows:
To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled.
The Humble Petition of the undersigned loyal subjects of Her Majesty the Queen.
Sheweth That the affection in which Her Majesty the Queen is held and the inspiration which she provides have brought about a rebirth of national unity and pride. Wherefor your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House proclaims an annual National Day of celebration to he known as United Kingdom Day on the Tuesday following the Spring Bank Holiday Monday.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
§ To lie upon the Table.
§ Mr. SpeakerI want to thank the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mr. Biggs-Davison), who did me the courtesy yesterday of sending me a copy of his petition. It is most unusual for that to be done. I am deeply grateful to the hon. Member.