§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern):My Lords, I have to inform your Lordships that, pursuant to the Order of the House, I together with the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Aberdare, the Baroness HyltonFoster, the Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos and the Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, waited upon Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother today with the Message of this House of 17th July and that Her Majesty made the following reply:
"My Lords and Members of the House of Commmons:
"I thank you from my heart for your kind messages which I am delighted to receive. I am, indeed, most touched that you should have come here to Clarence House, in the midst of your many commitments, to wish me well on my birthday.
"To me it seems just the other day that in this same room I accepted your greetings on a previous anniversary, and I am delighted that 10 years on there should be here today four members of that delegation.
"One of the consolations of growing older is to find pleasure and interest in the younger generation, whose qualities became very evident to me during the 25 years that I was Chancellor of the University of London.
"My belief in the fundamental good sense, wisdom and integrity of those in whose hands lie the destinies of our country is as firm now as it was in the long years of the Second World War.
"Throughout my life I have seen changes and developments, new patterns of behaviour and fresh outlooks. Much has been transformed but the loyalty and devotion of our people to the Crown remains constant.
"It is my prayer that, with God's help, our country will go forward from strength to strength in the years ahead.
"And now, once again, may I tell you how touched I am by your messages of good wishes at this time."