§ 11.3 p.m.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)My Lords, I beg to acquaint the House that a Commission has been issued under Her Majesty's Great Seal to several Lords 120 therein named authorising the said Lords to declare in the name and on behalf of Her Majesty Her Majesty's Approbation of the choice of the Commons of Mr Michael Martin to be their Speaker.
Then, the Lords Commissioners (the Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg), the Baroness Jay of Paddington, the Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish, the Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank and the Lord Weatherill) being robed and seated in front of the Throne, the Lord Chancellor directed Black Rod as follows: Let the Commons know that the Lords Commissioners desire their immediate attendance in this House.
Then, the Commons being at the Bar, Mr Speaker-Elect (Mr Michael Martin), addressing the Royal Commissioners, said: My Lords, I have to acquaint your Lordships that, in obedience to the Royal Command, Her Majesty's faithful Commons have, in the exercise of their undoubted rights and privileges, proceeded to the election of a Speaker, and that their choice has fallen on myself.. I therefore present myself at your Lordships' Bar and submit myself with all humility for Her Majesty's gracious Approbation.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords and Members of the House of Commons, it not being convenient to Her Majesty to be present in person at this time, a Commission has been issued under the Great Seal commanding us and several other Lords therein named to notify and declare Her Majesty's Approbation of the choice of her faithful Commons of Mr Michael Martin to be their Speaker, which Commission you will now hear read.
Then, the Commission having been read at the Table, the Lord Chancellor said: Mr Martin, we have it in command from Her Majesty to declare Her Majesty's entire confidence in your talents, diligence and sufficiency to fulfil the important duties of the high office of Speaker of the House of Commons to which you have been chosen by that House, and in obedience to the Commission which has been read and by virtue of the authority therein contained, we do declare Her Majesty's royal allowance and confirmation of you, sir, as Speaker of the House of Commons.
§ The SpeakerMy Lords, I submit myself with all humility and gratitude to Her Majesty's gracious Commands. I pray that, if in the discharge of my duties and in the maintenance of the rights and privileges of the Commons I shall inadvertently fall into any error, it may be imputed to myself alone, and not to Her Majesty's most faithful Commons.
The Speaker and the Commons then retired.