Sitting of 15 November 1826

Preamble
The Speakerhaving taken the chair on his return from the House of Peers, said; I have to state to the House, that this House has been in the House of Peers, where the lords, authorized by his Majesty's commission, signified his Majesty's royal approbation and confirmation of me, as the Speaker of this House. I proceeded to lay claim, by humble petition, to all their undoubted rights and privileges, especially those of freedom from arrest for themselves, their servants, and estates; free access to his Majesty when occasion should require, and that all their proceedings should receive the most favourable construction. The lords, authorized by his Majesty's commission, signified his

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Majesty's assurance that all those privileges should be granted, and confirmed by him, in as ample a manner as they had ever been confirmed or granted by any of his predecessors. I may now avail myself of this opportunity of again expressing the most thankful acknowledgments for the high honour you have conferred upon me. I know well how to estimate that honour, and I will struggle to deserve it. The House shall find me ever watchful and determined in co-operation with them, for the preservation of our privileges; not ours alone, but the privileges of all the Commons, and I implore of the House to assist me in maintaining a strict attention to all established rules and ordinances, not only as they are essential for the due and convenient despatch of business, but as they are most important safeguards for the property and best interests of the people. I have now to submit to the House, that the proceeding on which we are to enter, is to take and subscribe the oaths and declarations as prescribed by law.
The Speaker himself then took and subscribed the usual oaths and declarations; and was followed by numerous other members.

Preamble
The Lords Commissioners having taken their seat on the wool-sack, the deputy usher of the Black Rod was sent to the House of Commons to desire their attendance. Shortly after,
The Speaker,followed by a considerable number of members, presented himself at their lordships' bar. The right hon. gentleman then said, that he was commanded by his Majesty's faithful Commons, to inform their lordships that in obedience to his Majesty's commands, they had in the exercise of their ancient and undoubted privilege proceeded to elect a Speaker, and their choice had fallen upon him. For his own part, he could only say, that he was fully aware of the great importance of the situation to which he had been appointed, and was also aware of his many imperfections. If, however, his Majesty should be pleased to disapprove of the choice made by his most faithful Commons, there would be little difficulty in selecting some other person more competent than he was, to fill so arduous and dignified a situation.
The Lord Chancellor,in reply to this address, said, that his Majesty was fully
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sensible of Mr. Speaker's zeal, as also of his ability to fill the high office to which he had been elected. His zeal and ability had been, tried and proved in three successive parliaments, and his Majesty fully and readily confirmed the choice made by his faithful Commons.
The Speakerthen said;—My lords, with all gratitude and respect, I submit to his Majesty's royal pleasure. It therefore becomes my duty, in the name of the Commons of the united kingdom, to claim, by humble petition, all the ancient rights and privileges granted to that branch of the constitution, more especially, freedom of arrest for themselves and their servants; freedom in debate; and freedom of access to his Majesty, on all requisite occasions; and also, that a favourable interpretation may be given to all their proceedings. If any involuntary error should occur on their part, I hope that to me, and not to his majesty's faithful Commons, the blame may be imputed.
The Lord Chancellor.—I am commanded by his Majesty to declare his readiness to confirm to his faithful Commons all the rights and privileges that have ever been granted to the Commons by any of his Majesty's royal predecessors; and I am also commanded to inform you, that his Majesty will at all times put the most favourable construction on all the words and actions of his faithful Commons.
The Speaker and the other members of the House of Commons then bowed, and retired.