§ Mr. SpeakerI have to inform the House that I have received the following letter from the Clerk of the House:
Dear Mr. Speaker,Having completed thirty-seven years in the service of the House, of which twenty-one have been spent at the Table, I believe that the time is now ripe for my retirement, which I would accordingly wish to take effect from 31st July next.To serve the House in any capacity is a pleasure and an honour, and to have done so in its highest permanent office is a privilege indeed. I shall relinquish that office with memories of a thousand fruitful and friendly contacts with colleagues in all Departments, hon. Members and occupants of the Chair, which the passage of time will never erase.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. John Biffen)It is always an occasion for regret when the House is informed of the retirement of one of its distinguished servants. Today is no exception, and I am sure, Mr. Speaker, that the House will have listened to your announcement with sorrow. For the moment, however, I should like to suggest, in accordance with custom, that we reserve our fuller comments for a later day.