§ The following Bill received the Royal Assent:—
§ 1. Local Government (England and Wales.)
§ After which,
THE LORD CHANCELLORsaid— "We are commanded to deliver to you Her Majesty's Speech in Her Majesty's own words."
§
"My Lords, and Gentlemen,
Upon an occasion when your labours have been unprecedented in amount and duration, I regret that your release from them can be little more than nominal, as it will be necessary for you to undertake anew, after only a very short interval, your deliberations upon public affairs, and upon the provision required for the services of the coming financial year. I shall then have occasion again to address you in the ordinary course.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
I thank you for the liberal Supplies which you have granted in order to maintain the full efficiency of the Public Service in its various branches.
"My Lords,and Gentlemen,
I anticipate lasting advantages from many leading provisions of the important Statute which has been passed for the establishment of District and Parochial Councils in England and Wales, and from the extension which has been given to the principles of Local Government so closely associated with the national history. Nor do I overlook other amendments of the law due to your counsels, especially an Act affecting the hours of labour of railway servants.
It is my earnest prayer that the blessing of the Almighty may rest upon all your past and coming labours.
§ Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.
§ After which,
§ My Lords, and Gentlemen,
§ By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in Her Majesty's Name, and in obedience to Her Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Monday the Twelfth 1167 day of March instant, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Monday the Twelfth day of March instant.