§ VISCOUNT HALDANEMy Lords, we have all learned with very great regret the news of the condition of the noble Marquess who leads the House. We trust that the bulletins will indicate a progressive improvement. I am sure I am expressing the wishes of all your Lordships when I say that we feel a deep attachment to the noble Marquess and greatly regret the misfortune that has befallen him. I wish to ask the noble Marquess opposite, who will conduct the business of the House during the absence of the noble Marquess?
THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBUSY)My Lords, I am quite sure you have all heard with great gratification the remarks of the noble and learned Viscount opposite. I need not tell your Lordships that to us, his colleagues, the serious illness and absence of the noble Marquess the Leader of the House is a very grave loss indeed, and I speak not only as an intimate colleague but as an old friend of the noble Marquess whose association with him goes back almost as far as I can remember. I think I share a longer friendship with the noble Marquess than even the noble and learned Viscount, which is saying a good deal.
I am glad to say that the news which reaches us is satisfactory. My noble friend passed a very good night. An operation of that description is always a matter of some anxiety, but so far as our information has gone it could not be more favourable. With regard to the last observation of the noble and learned Viscount, I hope your Lordships will allow me to do my best to replace the noble Marquess as long as it is necessary. I hope it will not be for very long.