HL Deb 31 May 1967 vol 283 cc2-3

2.37 p.m.

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD) moved that Standing Order No. 41 (No two stages of a Bill to be taken on one day) be dispensed with for the purpose of allowing the Shipbuilding Industry Bill to be read a first and second time this day; and that the Bill be taken first of the Orders of the Day. The noble Earl said: My Lords, I beg to move the first Motion that stands in my name on the Order Paper.

My Lords, the House will have heard the sad and shocking news of the grievous loss to the noble Lord, Lord Harlech, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Membership of this House brings us all close together, especially in such an hour as this, and the hurt of one of us affects us all, particularly those of us who knew Lady Harlech, one so young in life and with so much before her, who has been so tragically struck down. We all know the great services rendered by Lord Harlech as our Ambassador to the United States. Moreover, we all recognise the immense contribution of Lady Harlech to this country and to the cause of Anglo-American relations. I am sure that I speak for all in all quarters of the House when I send to Lord Harlech our deep sympathy, and assure him on behalf of us all that our thoughts are, and always will be, with him and his family.

Moved, That Standing Order No. 41 (No two stages of a Bill to be taken on one day) be dispensed with for the purpose of allowing the Shipbuilding Industry Bill to be read a first and second time this day; and that the Bill be taken first of the Orders of the Day.—(The Earl of Longford.)

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, we on this side of the House should like to join most particularly in what the noble Earl the Leader of the House has said, to express appreciation for the way that he said it, and also, with him, to send our sympathy to Lord Harlech.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, we, too, were deeply shocked this morning to read the news of this tragedy. We on these Benches should like to be fully associated with what has been said by the two noble Lords who have preceded me, and to offer our sympathy to Lord Harlech and his family at this most distressing time.

On Question, Motion agreed to.