HL Deb 13 May 1983 vol 442 c733

12.42 p.m.

Lord Denham

My Lords, before moving that the House do adjourn, I should like, as has become customary, to say a word or two. We have been through a Session rather shorter than we originally expected. That does not mean to say that the Session has not been an extremely tiring one. I think that it has been. I should like to thank all noble Lords in all parts of the House for the courtesy and the patience they have shown. We have, on occasion, asked the House to work rather harder than is usual. I shall not be alone in mentioning the help and support received from everyone who serves the House in the building. In spite of the extra difficulties and the extra strain, they have been unfailing in their courtesy, their willingness and their helpfulness. We are all grateful. I should like to wish your Lordships in all parts of the House a pleasant Recess. I look forward with confidence to seeing all Members of the House back in their accustomed places in June.

Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede

My Lords, before the noble Lord moves for the last time in this Parliament that the House do adjourn—I should also like to hope that it will be for the last time—may I join him in thanking all members of staff and all those who have supported the staff in this tiring Session. I hope that the next Session will not be so tiring; but I can give no promises of what form of legislation an incoming Government might produce for the House. Indeed, the new Session might be even more tiring. However, we join the noble Lord in his remarks concerning the support that we have received from the staff of the House.

Lord Gladwyn

My Lords, I too should like to associate these Benches with what has been said about the staff. As regards the future Parliament, all I can say is that if we are confronted, as may happen, by a Government intent on abolishing this House, we may have more work to do than was contemplated. As to the staff, I am sure that we all pay the greatest tribute to their devoted assistance. Their work—often in the middle of the night when most of us, including myself, are safely in bed—is beyond praise. I suppose the only satisfaction is that they undoubtedly serve what, in my view—and I am sure the view of many of your Lordships—is the most efficient Second Chamber in the world in its revision of legislation and in constantly giving wise advice to the Government, perhaps even on a non-party basis. With those remarks, I hope that we shall come back, perhaps in a slightly less cantankerous mood, in a month's time. It is certainly possible that places may have changed.

Lord Kennet

My Lords, may I associate those who sit on this Bench with all—or almost all—that has been stated. It is a pleasure to be able to put on a party hat and to be nice, having worn a non-party hat and been rather nasty just now. I agree with all that has been stated about the service given to us by the staff. It has been beyond praise throughout the Parliament. I wish all noble Lords on all sides of the House a very pleasant election campaign—although not of course equal wishes for success.