§ The House met at eleven of the clock, The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
§
Prayers, including the following Special Prayer, were read by the Lord Bishop of Manchester:
Almighty and Eternal God, Thou Judge of all the earth, Who hast been our refuge from one generation to another, we humbly seek Thy blessing as we meet to commemorate the 700th Anniversary of the Parliament of Simon de Montfort.
We praise Thy name, O Lord, for the goodly heritage bequeathed to us by those who, in bygone days, have served Thee here and for the guidance of Thy Spirit throughout the ages.
Especially do we thank Thee for that Thou didst inspire the minds of our rulers in times past to call into consultation those representatives of the Shires, Cities and Boroughs of England who, in due time, were to constitute the House of Commons.
Grant that truth and justice, liberty and righteousness may ever flourish and abound among us and that, as we seek to know Thy will, we may have strength and power to fulfil it to the glory of Thy holy name and the good of all mankind.
All this we ask for the sake of Him who is the only sure foundation of men and of nations, even Jesus Christ Our Lord.
§ Amen."
§ The Lord Trevethin and Oaksey—Took the Oath.