§ 11.7 a.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, in moving the adjournment of the House I should like, with great sincerity, 822 to offer the customary good wishes from my noble friends and myself to noble Lords in all other parts of the House. In a time of intense political activity I think it would be inappropriate to wish them anything in the form of relaxation, except perhaps noble Lords on the Cross-Benches. I also think it would be inappropriate in the circumstances, however lightheartedly, to make anything in the form of a political statement.
What we all can take pleasure in, however, is that all the members of the staff who look after us so well in every department at this end of the Palace of Westminster will be enjoying something of a bonus, if not a wholly unexpected one, in the way of a well-earned rest. All of us wish them the fullest benefit of that.
§ Lord Ponsonby of ShulbredeMy Lords, I wholeheartedly join the noble Lord in conveying good wishes to all members of the staff in different parts of the House—in the refreshment department and elsewhere. We wish noble Lords a different period of relaxation during the next month or so.
The noble Lord said that he would not make a political speech on this occasion. Neither shall I make a political speech on this occasion; but I am hopeful that when he next makes an announcement to the House it will be from this Dispatch Box.
§ Baroness StedmanMy Lords, we on these Benches should like to associate ourselves with the comments made by the two noble Lords. We express our good wishes and thanks to all members of staff in every department who have served this House so faithfully and so well.
The Government Chief Whip suggested that the Cross-Benches might have a period of relaxation but that perhaps the rest of us will not. Without being too political, I should like to say to those who will not have a period of relaxation, "A change is as good as a rest, and happy hustings to you all."
§ House adjourned sine die at ten minutes past eleven o'clock.