§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, may I make a Statement on Business? The Westminster Abbey authorities have suggested that during the 900th Anniversary of the Abbey there should be a Service attended by Members, officers and staff of the two Houses of Parliament. The Government are anxious to meet their wishes in this respect, and it is therefore proposed that the House of Lords should go, as a House, to Westminster Abbey at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 29, to attend such a Service. It is understood that the House of Commons will also attend, and a similar Statement is being made in that House this afternoon.
On the day of the Service your Lordships' House will meet for Prayers at 11 a.m., and will then adjourn during pleasure to enable Peers to take their places in the Abbey. Shortly before 12 noon the Lord Chancellor's procession will leave the Chamber for the Abbey. Details of arrangements will be circulated later. After the Service the House will return, and the Sitting will be resumed at 2.30 p.m.