HL Deb 05 August 1892 vol 7 cc17-8

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ARTHUR WELLESLEY PEEL, Speaker-Elect, said—

"MY LORDS,

"I have to acquaint your Lordships that, in obedience to Her Majesty's commands, and in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges, Her Majesty's faithful Commons have proceeded to the election of a Speaker, and that their choice has fallen upon myself. I now present myself at your Lordships' Bar, and submit myself, in all humility, for Her Majesty's gracious approbation."

Then THE LORD CHANCELLOR said—

"MR. PEEL,

"We are commanded to assure you that Her Majesty is so fully sensible of your zeal in the public service, and of your ample sufficiency to exercise the arduous duties which Her Majesty's faithful Commons have selected you to discharge, that she doth most readily approve and confirm you as their Speaker."

Then MR. SPEAKER said—

"My LORDS,

"I submit myself, with all humility, to Her Majesty's gracious commands. It is now my duty, in the name and on behalf of the Commons of the United Kingdom, in obedience to Her Majesty's commands, to lay claim, by humble petition to Her Majesty, for the right of access to Her Majesty at all times, for the right of freedom of speech in Debate, and for the right of freedom from arrest of the persons of Her Majesty's Commons. I lay claim to these privileges in accordance with the usual custom, and. I beg that the most favourable construction should be put upon all the proceedings of the House of Commons. As for me, if any error should be committed, I pray that it nay be imputed to me alone, and not to Her Majesty's faithful Commons."

Then THE LORD CHANCELLOR said—

"MR. SPEAKER,

"We have it further in command to inform you that Her Majesty doth most readily confirm all the rights and privileges which have ever been granted to or conferred upon the Commons by any of Her Majesty's royal predecessors With respect to yourself, Sir, although Her Majesty is sensible that you stand in no need of such assurance, Her Majesty will ever place the most favourable construction upon your words and actions."

Then the Commons withdrew.

Several Lords—Took the Oath.

House adjourned at Four o'clock.