§ 3.3 p.m.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)My Lords, with the leave of the House I should like to make a Statement on the arrangements for celebrating the tercentenary of the Glorious Revolution and the Bill of Rights.
In 1988 we will be celebrating the tercentenary of the Glorious (or Bloodless) Revolution and the Bill of Rights. These were the foundations from which evolved, peacefully, the system of parliamentary democracy under a constitutional Monarch which we enjoy today, and which has inspired the constitutions of many other countries of the world. Parliament itself will wish to take a lead with an appropriate celebration to mark this anniversary. Mr. Speaker and I are therefore appointing today a small committee of Members of both Houses to advise us on the form of these celebrations, and to oversee the arrangements to be made.
I am also happy to tell your Lordships that the Prime Minister and the Leaders of other parties have indicated their full support for these proposals, and have agreed to become patrons of this project.
The following noble Lords who are Members of this House have kindly agreed to serve on the advisory committee: the noble Lords, Lord Blake and Lord Crawshaw of Aintree; the noble and learned Lord, Lord Elwyn-Jones. PC; and the noble Lords, Lord Henderson of Brompton and Lord Thomas of Swynnerton. A Clerk from each House will serve the committee.
My Lords, that concludes my Statement.