§ THE PARLIAMENT, which had been Prorogued successively from the 7th day of August, 1874, to the 23rd day of October; thence to the 16th day of December; thence to the 5th day of February, 1875, met this day for Despatch of Business.
§ The Session of PARLIAMENT was opened by Commission.
§ The HOUSE OF PEERS being met,
THE LORD CHANCELLORacquainted the House,
That it not being convenient for Her Majesty to be personally present here this day, She has been pleased to cause a Commission under the Great Seal to be prepared, in order to the holding of this Parliament.
§ Then Five of the Lords Commissioners—namely, The LORD CHANCELLOR, The LORD PRIVY SEAL (The Earl of Malmesbury), THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN OF THE HOUSEHOLD (The Marquess of Hertford), THE LORD STEWARD OF THE HOUSEHOLD (The Earl Beauchamp), and The LORD SKELMERSDALE (Captain of the Yeoman of the Guard), being in their Robes, and seated on a Form placed between the Throne and the Woolsack, commanded the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod to let the Commons know "The Lords Commissioners desire their immediate attendance in this House, to hear the Commission read."
§ Who being come, with their Speaker;—The Commission was read by the Clerk:—Then