HL Deb 06 March 1974 vol 350 cc1-2

2.30 p.m.

Opened by Commission, the Royal Commissioners being The LORD CHANCELLOR (The Right Honourable Sir ELWYN JONES), The EARL OF LISTOWEL, The LORD WINDLESHAM, The LORD SHACKLETON and The LORD BYERS.

Then, the Commons being at the Bar, The LORD CHANCELLOR said: My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, we have it in command from Her Majesty to let you know that, as soon as the Members of both Houses shall be sworn, the causes of Her Majesty calling this Parliament will be declared to you; and, it being necessary that a Speaker of the House of Commons should be first chosen, it is Her Majesty's Pleasure that you, Members of the House of Commons, repair to the place where you are to sit, and there proceed to the choice of some proper person to be your Speaker, and that you present such person whom you shall so choose here to-morrow at half-past two o'clock for Her Majesty's Royal Approbation.

The Commons then withdrew.

House adjourned during pleasure.

House resumed.

The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.

Prayers—Read by the Lord Bishop of Portsmouth.

Several Lords—Took the Oath.

Certain Lords—Affirmed.

Several Lords—Took the Oath.

House adjourned at one minute past six o'clock.