§ THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS (The LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF SAINT MARYLEBONE), The LORD SOAMES, The LORD ABERDARE, The LORD BYERS and The LORD ELWYNJONES) 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 acquaint your Lordships that, in obedience to the Royal Command, Her Majesty's faithful Commons have, in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges, proceeded to the election of a Speaker, and that their choice has fallen on myself. I therefore present myself at your Lordships' Bar, and submit myself with all humility for Her Majesty's gracious Approbation.
The LORD CHANCELLORMr. Thomas, we are commanded to assure you that Her Majesty is so fully sensible of your zeal in the public service, and of your ample sufficiency to execute the arduous duties which Her faithful Commons have selected you to discharge, that Her Majesty does most readily approve and confirm you as their Speaker.
§ Mr. SPEAKERMy Lords, I submit myself with all humility and gratitude to Her Majesty's gracious Commands. It is now my duty, in the name of and on behalf of the Commons of the United Kingdom, to lay claim, by humble petition to Her Majesty, to all their ancient and undoubted rights and privileges, especially to freedom of speech in debate, to freedom from arrest, and to free access to Her Majesty whenever occasion shall require, and that the most favourable construction shall be put upon all their proceedings. With regard to myself, I pray that if in the discharge of my duties I shall inadvertently fall into any error, it may be imputed to myself alone, and not to Her Majesty's most faithful Commons.
The LORD CHANCELLORMr. Speaker, we have it further in Command to inform you that Her Majesty does most readily confirm all the rights and privileges which have ever been granted to or conferred upon the Commons by Her Majesty or by any of her Royal Predecessors. With respect to yourself, Sir, though Her Majesty is sensible that you stand in no need of such assurance, Her Majesty will ever place the most favourable construction upon your words and actions.
§ Mr. Speaker and the Commons then retired.
§ House adjourned during pleasure.
§ House resumed.