HL Deb 03 March 1943 vol 126 cc421-2
THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (VISCOUNT CRANBORNE) (Lord Cecil)

My Lords, I have just heard the most distressing news that Mr. Speaker passed away at two o'clock this afternoon. I cannot help thinking that your Lordships would feel it most inappropriate that this House should continue in session in the circumstances. I would therefore most respectfully suggest to the House that we should immediately adjourn, and that on the next sitting day we should pass a formal vote of sympathy with Mr. Speaker's widow and relations.

THE MARQUESS OF CREWE

My Lords, I am sure that this news has come to us all as a shock, and that we all deeply regret the loss which the House of Commons has sustained, a loss which it is altogether impossible to over-state. I know that I can speak for my noble friends in saying that we entirely agree with the course which has been proposed by the noble Viscount, the Leader of the House, for we desire to show every possible respect to our friends in another place in the loss which they have sustained.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, I should like on behalf of my noble friends who sit on these Benches to associate myself and them with every word that has fallen from the noble Marquess, the Leader of the Liberal Party, and to take this very early opportunity of making it perfectly plain to the members of another place that we share with them their very intense grief and shock at the loss of one who has played, for so long a period, so distinguished a part in their proceedings.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE

My Lords, perhaps I should say just one word before we adjourn about business, as we are cut short in the very middle of a debate. I think it would be the wish of the House that this present debate should be continued at the earliest date on which arrangements can be made for it. I submit that to the House as probably the most satisfactory procedure; and now it remains for me to move that this House do now adjourn.

Moved, That the House do now adjourn.—(Viscount Cranborne.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned.