§ 3 p.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, it may be for the convenience of your Lordships to know that my right honourable friend the Prime Minister has today asked Her Majesty The Queen to proclaim the Dissolution of Parliament. Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify that She will comply with this request.
Parliament will be dissolved on Monday 18th May. The General Election will take place on Thursday llth June. The new Parliament will be summoned on Wednesday 17th June, when the first business will be 423 the election of the Speaker in another place and the swearing-in of Members of both Houses, and the State Opening will be on Thursday 25th June.
In the light of this announcement it is proposed to rearrange this week's business in your Lordships' House.
With the leave of the House, I propose to make a further statement about the business for the remainder of this week later this afternoon. I shall arrange for adequate warning of this statement to be given on the annunciators. However, today's business will remain as it appears on the Order Paper.
§ Lord Ponsonby of ShulbredeMy Lords, perhaps I may thank the noble Lord for making that statement. I wonder whether at this stage he can confirm for the convenience of your Lordships that dissolution will be by proclamation without the need for a sitting of the House on Monday 18th May?
§ Lord DenhamYes, my Lords.
§ Lord TordoffMy Lords, perhaps I also may thank the noble Lord the Chief Whip for this Statement. I think it would be wrong to ask any questions at this stage. They can wait until later in the afternoon.