HL Deb 26 March 1986 vol 472 cc1483-4

8.54 p.m.

Lord Denham

My Lords, in moving that this House do now adjourn, it has become traditional for whoever happens to find themselves on the Government Benches to wish the official Opposition, the other Opposition parties and everybody in all parts of this House a very happy Recess. I think that, in this House, whichever party happens to be in power at the moment, we take a more objective view of politics than perhaps is possible elsewhere. Therefore, the expressions of friendship between the sides could be more real here and I should like, on behalf of my noble friends, to thank all Members on all sides of the House for the very real collaboration that we have over these matters and to wish them a happy 10 days—or, rather, it is slightly less—in which to rest and become more able to deal with the rigours that are going to be experienced in the future. Whatever we say among ourselves, we are all very grateful indeed for the tremendous help we have from everybody who serves this House, without whom we should not be able to function.

Noble Lords

Hear, Hear!

Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede

My Lords, may I join with the Government Chief Whip in wishing those few Peers who are still here at this hour a happy Recess. I should like particularly to join with him in the remarks he made about the staff of the House—all different echolons of the staff of the House—who serve us so well. We certainly hope that they have a restful Recess. I think we are all grateful for this short respite. Knowing that there are an inordinate number of Government Bills about to reach this House from another place and knowing that the summer may be as heavy as, if not heavier than, usual, we shall certainly benefit very much from this short 10-day Recess. We, for our part, and I am sure all Peers, will return invigorated for the fray which will commence again on 7th April.

Lord Kilmarnock

My Lords, from these Benches I should like to associate myself very strongly with the remarks of the Government Chief Whip and the noble Lord, Lord Ponsonby. We would wish particularly to thank the staff for all their endeavours on our behalf and to wish them a very well-earned and peaceful Recess. I should like also to wish noble Lords of all parties and of none a very restful and happy Recess in preparation for the rigours of which we have been warned by the Government Chief Whip.