§ 2.30 p.m.
§ Opened by Commission, the Royal Commissioners being The LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD GARDINER), The LORD PRIVY SEAL (The EARL OF LONGFORD), The LORD CARRINGTON, THE EARL OF LISTOWEL, and The LORD REA.
§ Then, the Commons being at the Bar, The LORD CHANCELLOR said: My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, we have it in command from Her Majesty to let you know that, as soon as the Members of both Houses shall be sworn, the causes of Her Majesty calling this Parliament will be declared to you; and it being necessary that a Speaker of the House of Commons should be first chosen, it is Her Majesty's pleasure that you, Members of the House of Commons, repair to the place where you are to sit, and there proceed to the choice of some proper person to be your Speaker; and that you present such person, whom you shall so choose, here to-morrow at half-past two o'clock for Her Majesty's Royal approbation.
§ The Commons then withdrew.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.
2§ The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
§ Prayers—Read by the Lord Bishop of St. Albans