Lords Sitting of 16 February 1910

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The LORDS COMMISSIONERS The LORDS COMMISSIONERS being seated in front of the Throne and the Commons being sent for:—
MR. SPEAKER-ELECT (The Right Hon. JAMES WILLIAM LOWTHER)MR. SPEAKER-ELECT (The Right Hon. JAMES WILLIAM LOWTHER), addressing the Royal Commissioners: My Lords, I have to acquaint your Lordships that, in obedience to His Majesty's commands, His Majesty's most faithful Commons have, in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges, proceeded to the election of Speaker, and that their choice has fallen upon myself. I now present myself at your Lordships' Bar and submit myself with all humility for His Majesty's gracious approbation.
THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD LOREBURN): We are commanded to assure you that His Majesty is so fully sensible of your zeal in the public service and of your undoubted sufficiency to execute all the arduous duties of the position which his faithful Commons have selected you to discharge that he does most readily approve and confirm you as their Speaker.
Mr. SPEAKER: My Lords, I submit myself with all humility and gratitude to His Majesty's gracious commands. It is now my duty, in the name of and on behalf of the Commons of the United Kingdom, to lay claim by humble petition to His Majesty to all their ancient and undoubted rights and privileges, especially to freedom of speech in debate, to freedom from arrest, and to free access to His Majesty whenever occasion shall require; and that the most favourable construction shall be put upon their proceedings. In regard to myself, I pray that if in the discharge of my duties I shall inadvertently fall into error, it may be imputed to myself alone, and not to His Majesty's most faithful Commons.
THE LORD CHANCELLOR: Mr. Speaker, we have it further in command to inform you that His Majesty does most readily confirm all the rights and privileges which have ever been granted to or conferred upon the Commons by himself or by any of his Royal predecessors. With respect to yourself, Sir, though His Majesty is sensible that you stand in no need of such assurance, His Majesty will ever place the most favourable construction upon your words and actions.
Mr. SPEAKER Mr. SPEAKER and the Commons then retired.
Several Lords Several Lords—Took the Oath.
The VISCOUNT MORLEY OF BLACKBURN The VISCOUNT MORLEY OF BLACKBURN affirmed.
Several Lords Several Lords—Took the Oath.
House adjourned at half-past Four o'clock, to Monday next, half-past Ten o'clock.