Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 March 1950.
Mr. Speaker-Elect, my colleagues and I on this bench also will not let this occasion pass without adding our most sincere congratulations and, what is more, our thanks to you for consenting, however reluctantly, to take on once more the all-important and arduous duties which go with your high office. We know from experience the great qualities you bring to the conduct of the Chair, and have reason to value very highly your constant regard for the rights of minorities and of every shade of opinion to have their fair hearing. We thank you for that, and for many other things besides, and we all wish you continued success.