§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT SIMON)My Lords, the House will recall that on March 14 a Resolution was passed on the Motion of the noble Lord, Lord Addison, that this House desiring to promote a closer association between the British Parliament and the Congress of the United States of America, requests the Lord Chancellor on its behalf to invite the Congress of the United States to send a delegation of its members to visit Parliament at as early a date as may be convenient. Mr. Speaker was moved to make a similar communication from the House of Commons. Mr. Speaker and I have now received from Mr. Rayburn, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States, a reply to this invitation. Mr. Rayburn's letter expresses deep appreciation of the invitation and indicates that, at the first moment that is convenient, the invitation will be taken up and given friendly consideration. The letter emphasizes the wish that we should know that it is the desire of America to work hand in hand with our own democracy for the peace and wellbeing of us all.