§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, in moving the Adjournment of the House at this time it is customary for the Government Chief Whip of the day, on behalf of noble Lords on these Benches, to wish a restful and happy Recess to noble Lords in all other parts of the House. This I do gladly and with 565 very great sincerity. Few would dissent from the view that this time the Recess is very much needed and I think I may say very well earned indeed.
On behalf of the whole House I should also like to express our gratitude to all others who work at this end of the Palace of Westminster in so many different capacities. Without their ungrudging and ever-courteous service, help and friendship the work of your Lordships would not be a fraction as efficient, as comfortable or perhaps even possible at all.
§ Lord Ponsonby of ShulbredeMy Lords, I should like to associate myself warmly with the remarks of the noble Lord the Government Chief Whip. Indeed we from this side of the House join with him in giving best wishes for a restful Recess to noble Lords in other parts of the House. In particular I thank the staff for their patience and perseverance during what has been a most difficult Session. It has been a Session not without drama in some of the facilities afforded to your Lordships. I am sure that many of us do not wish to go through such a Session again.
§ Lord Ponsonby of ShulbredeMy Lords, one would like to say that it is the end of a long, hot summer but I am afraid that it has been far from hot. It has been one of the wettest summers that we have had for many years.
I noted that today is the 174th sitting day since we returned after the last general election. I have also noted that there has been one government defeat for each 10 days.
§ Lord TordoffMy Lords, in associating noble Lords on these Benches with the remarks made by the Government and Opposition Chief Whips, we must reflect on the fact that it has been an enormously long Session. The list of Bills which have just received Royal Assent is formidable. Since we returned after the general election there have been many changes in your Lordships' House. Many old friends have gone and many new friends have joined us. We are sad about the ones who have gone and we welcome those who have arrived.
The Government have changed also. As I said earlier, we have had many Lord Chancellors during the period. I am glad to say that such changes as have been announced by Her Majesty's Government indicate that the relationship between the Benches and the Woolsack can continue for some time. It is always a happy relationship.
In thanking all those who contribute to the working of the House I should on this occasion like to draw attention to the Clerks, who have had a particular strain. It is right to congratulate Mr. Michael Wheeler-Booth on the extra duties that he has undertaken. On behalf of all noble Lords, I wish Sir John Sainty a speedy recovery and return to your Lordships' House.
We on these Benches genuinely wish all noble Lords a happy holiday. May 10th October be a long time in coming.
§ Lord DiamondMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friends on these Benches I should like to express the same sentiments, which are sincerely held. I go as far as wishing some of the Members on the Government Front Bench a longer rest than perhaps they might find convenient.
I should like to echo what has been said about Mr. Michael Wheeler-Booth. I have known him closely in this House and have worked with him for a long time. He has shown that confidence can be placed in him and we are grateful for the loyalty with which he carries out his tasks, even when they become unexpectedly onerous.
The most sincere form of appreciation that we can show for the hardships and difficulties which have been undergone by various members of staff is to see that they do not have to undergo them again. It is in that respect that I hope I shall be forgiven for making two more comments about the Government's mishandling of business this Session. I know that there will be other occasions on which the matter can be gone into in more detail—
§ Lord DiamondHowever, I should give warning to the Government that it is a matter on which they have failed year after year. When the appropriate time comes we must ensure that the situation is not repeated because of the inconvenience caused not only to your Lordships but more particularly to those who must and do help us and who have no spokesman in this House to see that their cares are noted.
§ Baroness Hylton-FosterMy Lords, the Cross-Bench Peers would like to endorse all the messages of thanks which have already been expressed and say how much we appreciate all the help and advice which we have received from all departments.
We should like to add rather special thanks to those who we do not see and who play such an important part in the smooth running of this House. We wish all who look after us and all our colleagues a very happy and relaxed Recess.