HL Deb 03 February 1976 vol 367 cc1256-7

4.30 p.m.

The LORDS COMMISSIONERS (The LORD CHANCELLOR (The Lord Elwyn-Jones), The LORD PRIVY SEAL (The Lord Shepherd),

The Earl of Listowel, The Lord Byers and The Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone) being seated in front of the Throne, and the Commons, having been sent for, being at the Bar:

Mr. SPEAKER-ELECT (The Right Honourable George Thomas),

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 LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, it not being convenient to Her Majesty to be personally present here at this time, a Commission has been issued under the Great Seal, commanding us and several other Lords therein named to notify and declare Her Majesty's Approbation of the choice of Her faithful Commons of the Right Honourable George Thomas to be their Speaker, which Commission you will now hear read.

The Commission having been read:

The LORD CHANCELLOR

Mr. Thomas, 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 of 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 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.