§ Mr. SpeakerThe House will be aware that the Rev. Canon John Baker, who has been Speaker's Chaplain since April 1978, is the bishop-elect of the diocese of Salisbury. Next week, when we rise for the Christmas Recess, Canon Baker will take our prayers for the last time.
On behalf of the House and on my own behalf, I wish to express to Canon Baker the deep gratitude that we feel for his devoted service to the House during his period as Chaplain. Canon Baker has not spared himself in strengthening Christian fellowship in this House. We extend to him our prayers and good wishes for the new responsibilities that he will undertake in the historic see at Salisbury.