Lords Sitting of 11 July 1821

THE KING'S SPEECH AT THE CLOSE OF THE SESSION.
After the royal assent had been given, by commission, to several bills, a Speech of the Lords Commissioners was delivered to both Houses by the Lord Chancellor, as follows:
"My Lords and Gentlemen;
"We have it in command from his Majesty to inform you, that the state of public business having enabled him to dispense with your attendance in Parliament, he has determined to put an end to this Session.
"His Majesty, however, cannot close it without expressing his satisfaction at the zeal and assiduity with which you have prosecuted the laborious and important inquiries in which you have been engaged.
"He has observed, with particular pleasure, the facility with which the restoration of a Metallic Currency has been effected, by the authority given to the Bank of England to commence its payments in cash at an earlier period than had been determined by the last Parliament.
"His Majesty has commanded us to acquaint you, that he continues to receive from foreign powers the strongest assurances of their friendly disposition towards this country.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons;
"We are commanded by his Majesty to return you his thanks for the provision which you have made for the public service.
"Although the public expepditure has already undergone considerable reduction within the present year, his Majesty trusts he shall be enabled by the continuance of peace, and of internal tranquillity, to make such further reductions as may satisfy the just expectations expressed by Parliament.
"His Majesty has commanded us to assure you of the gratification which he has derived from the provision which you have made for his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence.
"My Lords, and Gentlemen;
"It is with the greatest satisfaction that his Majesty has observed the quiet and good order which continue to prevail in those parts of the country which were not long since in a state of agitation.
"His Majesty deeply laments the distress to which the agricultural interests, in many parts of the kingdom, are still subject.
"It will be his Majesty's most anxious desire, by a strict attention to public economy, to do all that depends upon him for the relief of the country from its present difficulties; but you cannot fail to be sensible that the success of all efforts for this purpose will mainly depend upon the continuance of domestic tranquillity; and his Majesty confidently relies on your utmost exertions, in your several counties, in enforcing obedience to the laws, and in promoting harmony and concord amongst all descriptions of his Majesty's subjects."
After which a Commission was read, for proroguing the Parliament until the 20th of September.