HL Deb 12 January 1971 vol 314 cc51-2

4.55 p.m.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF ST. MARYLEBONE)

My Lords, I beg to acquaint the House that a Commission has been issued under Her Majesty's Great Seal to several Lords therein named authorising the said Lords to declare in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty Her Majesty's approbation of the choice of the Commons of the Right Honourable John Selwyn Brooke Lloyd to be their Speaker.

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn during pleasure.

Moved accordingly and, on Question, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned during pleasure.

House resumed.

5.22 p.m.

THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS (THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF ST. MARYLEBONE), THE EARL JELLICOE (THE LORD PRIVY SEAL), THE EARL OF LISTOWEL, THE LORD REA, and THE LORD SHACKLETON) being seated in front of the Throne, and the Commons, having been sent for, being at the Bar:

MR. SPEAKER-ELECT (THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JOHN SELWYN BROOKE LLOYD), addressing the Royal Commissioners, said: My Lords, I have to inform your Lordships that Her Majesty's faithful Commons, in obedience to the Royal Command, and in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges, have proceeded to the election of a Speaker, and that their choice has fallen on me. I therefore present myself at your Lordships' Bar and submit myself with all humility for Her Majesty's gracious approbation.

The Commission having been read:

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd, we have it in command from Her Majesty to declare Her Majesty's entire confidence in your talents, diligence and sufficiency to fulfil the important duties of the high Office of Speaker of the House of Commons to which you have been chosen by that House; and in obedience to the Commission which has been read, and by virtue of the authority therein contained, we do declare Her Majesty's Royal allowance and confirmation upon you, Sir, as Speaker of the House of Commons.

MR. SPEAKER

My Lords, I submit myself with all humility to Her Majesty's Royal will and pleasure, and if, in the discharge of my duties and in the maintenance of the rights and privileges of the Commons House of Parliament, I should inadvertently fall into error, I pray that the blame may be imputed to me alone and not to Her Majesty's faithful Commons.

Mr. Speaker and the Commons then retired.

House adjourned during pleasure.

House resumed.