HL Deb 02 August 1945 vol 137 cc3-4

THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS (THE LORD CHANCELLOR, VISCOUNT FITZALAN OF DERWENT, VISCOUNT STANSGATE, LORD STANMORE AND LORD MOTTISTONE) being seated in front of the Throne, and the Commons, having been sent for, being at the Bar:—

MR. SPEAKER-ELECT (COLONEL THE RIGHT HONOURABLE DOUGLAS CLIFTON BROWN), addressing the Royal Commissioners, said

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

Colonel Clifton Brown, we are commanded to assure you that His Majesty is so fully sensible of your zeal in the public service and of your ample sufficiency to execute the arduous duties 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 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 all their proceedings. In regard to myself, I pray that if in the discharge of my duties I should inadvertently fall into any 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 His Majesty or 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 and the Commons then retired.

House adjourned during pleasure.

House resumed.

Several Lords—Took the Oath.