EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, it has been brought to my attention that some noble Lords were under the impression that dinners would be available to-night. I want just to make it clear that that is not so.
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, we are very grateful to the Captain of the Gentlemen at Arms for that momentous statement, which provides me with an opportunity to congratulate the new Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, the noble Lord, Lord Denham, on his appointment. Perhaps we sometimes pay too many tributes in this House, but he 903 may like to know that, although frequently we disagree with him, we believe that all the Lords in Waiting are underpaid and that all the Whips on both sides are not sufficiently appreciated. I should like the noble Lord, Lord Denham, to know that he is held in great respect and affection, and I hope that his prowess in the hunting field will not lead him to too much "over-kill" in the Division Lobbies.
It would also be right at the same time to express our thanks—and this time I do so officially on behalf of the Opposition, and I am sure the Liberal Party would agree with us—to the retiring Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, the noble Viscount, Lord Goschen. He was always kind and considerate, and I also have a note that he was always funny. Shall I make clear that he told very funny stories? We have a high regard for the noble Viscount and hope that he will still be around to entertain us, even though he will not need to he quite so vigorous in pursuit of his own recalcitrant supporters.
§ LORD BYERSMy Lords, those of us who are part of the usual channels on these Benches would like to be associated with the tribute which has been paid by the noble Lord. Lord Shackleton, to the noble Viscount, Lord Goschen. The noble Viscount was one of the most cheerful Whips I have ever come across; it has been a pleasure to deal with him. He has even been cheerful when he has had nothing to be cheerful about. We shall miss him very much indeed.
We should also like to be associated with congratulations to the noble Lord, Lord Denham. I am sure that he will be given a very happy period in the usual channels from all parts of the House. I only hope that he is not thinking that he is going to take over the uniform of the noble Viscount, Lord Goschen, and get into it without alteration.
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, I am never quite clear whether I am part of the usual channels or not, but I should like to say how much we on these Benches appreciate what both noble Lords have just said. I am most grateful to them.