HL Deb 21 December 1983 vol 446 cc820-1
Lord Denham

My Lords, before I move the adjournment of the House, I know that my noble friends behind me would expect me to express to noble Lords in all other parts of the House best wishes for a very happy Christmas, a very restful Recess and, in every sense but the political one, a very prosperous New Year. I know that I speak for all parts of the House when I say that we wish all the staff at our end of the Palace, who serve us so well, a very happy Christmas Recess.

Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede

My Lords, I should like to associate my friends on this side of the House with the remarks of the Chief Whip. We should certainly like to be associated with him in the Christmas wishes he has extended to Members of the House and, in particular, with those which he has accorded to the staff of the House. Without the staff we could not function at all. We are very grateful to them. I fear that in the New Year we may have some even longer sittings than we have had in the first term of this session. I was glad to see that in a Question for Written Answer which will be published tomorrow in Hansard the noble Lord has informed your Lordships that the Easter term will be one week shorter than usual. We shall be grateful for that little mercy. With that, may I associate my colleagues with the noble Lord's remarks.

Lord Wigoder

My Lords, we are much impressed by the noble Lord. Lord Skelmersdale's statement of Government policy: that we are where we are now. We are even more encouraged to think that we shall not be where we are now for the next four weeks or so. We have the very greatest pleasure in expressing our seasonal greetings to our noble friends in all parts of your Lordships' House and to all the Members of the staff, to whom we owe so much.

Lord Kilmarnock

My Lords, my noble friends and I should like to associate ourselves with the remarks of the noble Lord, Lord Wigoder. We should like to extend our very best wishes to members on all sides of the House and in particular to the staff for their efforts on our behalf, especially as it seems likely that we shall have to put a considerable strain on their patience with us on our return. In the meantime, we wish them and all your Lordships a very happy Christmas.

House adjourned for the Christmas Recess at half-past five o'clock until Monday, 16th January next.