§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I shall make a brief personal statement. Those who were in the Chamber earlier this afternoon will know that right hon. and hon. Members were kind enough to give me birthday greetings. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, Hear."] I really was not asking for more. In view of the article in The Times today, it is in the interests of the House for me to make a brief statement to end speculation about my intentions for the future.
It is but eight months since the House did me the honour of electing me Mr. Speaker for the life of this Parliament. That is a trust that I hope to fulfil. I do not wish to tempt providence, but I am feeling as fit as when I assumed the Chair. Therefore, it is my intention to continue to serve the House for this Parliament as it invited me to do eight month ago. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]