LORD ST. JUSTMy Lords, in the absence of my noble friend Lord Cork and Orrery, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in his name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the procedure for choosing the next Archbishop of Canterbury will differ, and if so in what way, from that which has been followed hitherto.
375§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, before I answer the noble Lord's Question, may I say that I am sure the House will wish to applaud the great services which the present Archbishop has rendered; and no doubt closer to his retirement we shall wish to pay a more formal tribute. I am delighted that the most reverend Primate will continue to be able to serve in your Lordships' House after his retirement, as I understand he has accepted the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen to become a Life Peer. As to the appointment of his successor, it will be the responsibility of the Prime Minister to tender advice to Her Majesty on the appointment. Very thorough consultations about it will be conducted on the Prime Minister's behalf.