§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)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 noble Baroness, Lady Jay of Paddington, the noble Lords, Lord Strathclyde and Lord Boston of Faversham, the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Craig of Radley and the noble Lord, Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank, waited upon Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother yesterday with the Message of this House of 13th July and that Her Majesty made the following reply:
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:I was deeply touched by your messages of congratulations and by the sentiments you expressed on the occasion of my 100th birthday.I feel fortunate that during the last Century I have been given the opportunity to serve our Country in times of war and peace, and I have always been helped and uplifted by the love of my family, by the fortitude and courage of our people, and by my faith in Almighty God.I pray that future generations will live in peace and prosperity, and I send to you all my heartfelt thanks for your kind messages on my birthday.