My Lords, it may have come to your Lordships’ attention that the other place will be electing a new Speaker today. It may therefore be of interest to the House if I set out the proposed arrangements for the Royal Commission that will be held for the approbation of the new Speaker.

The precise timing of the Royal Commission is, of course, at this stage uncertain, and depends on how the election proceeds in the other place. I can advise the House of the following. In the event that a decision is reached in the other place after the first ballot, the Royal Commission will be held later this afternoon, at a time to be notified to the House. If the other place has completed the election of a new Speaker by our expected rising time, around 10 pm, the Royal Commission will take place tonight, either immediately after business or after an adjournment of the House. In this event, the time for the Royal Commission will be displayed on the annunciators. If, however, the other place is still in the process of electing a new Speaker when this House rises, at around 10 pm, the House will resume at 11 o’clock tomorrow morning for prayers, followed by the Royal Commission. The House would then be adjourned again until 2.30 pm for Oral Questions. This would be indicated on the annunciators tomorrow morning.

I am sure that the whole House will join with me in wishing the other place well in its important business today.