HL Deb 17 January 1878 vol 237 cc1-3

THE PARLIAMENT, which had been Prorogued in the usual form from the 14th day of August, to the 30th day of October; thence to the 19th day of December; thence to the 17th day of January, 1878; was now commanded to assemble on that day for Despatch of Business by Proclamation, as follows:—

"BY THE QUEEN—A PROCLAMATION.

"VICTORIA R.

"Whereas our Parliament stands prorogued to Thursday, the 17th day of January next, we, by and with the advice of our Privy Council, hereby issue our Royal Proclamation, and publish and declare our Royal will and pleasure that the said Parliament shall, on the said Thursday, the 17th day of January, 1878, assemble and be holden for the despatch of divers urgent and important affairs; and the Lords spiritual and temporal, and the knights, citizens, and burgesses, and the Commissioners for shires and burghs of the House of Commons, are hereby required and commanded to give their attendance accordingly at Westminster, on the said Thursday, the 17th day of January, 1878.

"Given at our Court at Windsor, this 22nd day of December, in the year of our Lord 1877, and in the 41st year of our reign.

"God save the Queen."

And the PARLIAMENT having met accordingly, the Session was opened by Commission.

The HOUSE OF LORDS being met;

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

acquainted 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 PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (The Duke of Richmond and Gordon); The LORD CHAMBERLAIN (The Marquess of Hertford); The LORD STEWARD (Earl Beauchamp); and The LORD SKELMERSDALE—being in their Robes, and seated on a Form placed between the Throne and the Woolsack, commanded the Gentleman 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."

And the COMMONS being at the Bar, with their Speaker:—The Commission was read by the Clerk:—Then