§ [Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair]
§ Mr. SpeakerI have to inform the House that yesterday, together with other right hon. and hon. Members, I attended upon Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to deliver the House's message of congratulation on her eightieth birthday. I have received the following answer from Her Majesty, signed by her own hand:
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:I thank you for your messages of congratulations on my 80th birthday and I am deeply touched by the very kind sentiments that you have expressed.Eight decades is certainly a considerable span. During this time a great deal of history has unfolded and in many ways our lives have been transformed. New discoveries, new inventions, new outlooks continually challenge the established order. But I am happy to feel that there is one constant factor: the good sense, loyalty and patriotism of the people of our land.During the war The King and I, on our visits round the country, were sustained and inspired by the steadfastness, courage and compassion shown by our people. It is encouraging to find today that in our schools and universities and among the younger generation these same qualities live on.I feel deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve our beloved country in some small way and through the years, in peace and in war, I have been always helped and uplifted by the love of my family, the loyalty and understanding of our people, and by my faith in Almighty God.Once again, may I thank you all from my heart for your very kind messages on my birthday.ELIZABETH R