My Lords, as the Government Chief Whip read out the various statistics of how long we have sat—the number of days, Questions and Divisions—the House must have felt every one of them. It has been a very long stint indeed.

I take this opportunity before we all head off to Summer Recess to thank all those who work in the House administration for their efforts in enabling this place to function. The work done by staff in the catering departments, the Committee Office and the Library, and across the accommodation and facilities teams, is not recognised enough. I know that noble Lords across the House will join me in paying tribute to them and the work they do in supporting all noble Lords day in, day out, often through late nights.

It is important to remember that we work in a building that is at least 155 years old—some parts are older than others; the door is very new—and in offices which span Westminster. The teams that keep those buildings going, our offices clean and all the facilities that we use in working order are greatly appreciated by noble Lords across the House. The same can be said of the catering teams, who, we must not forget, stay up with us during late sittings, provide us with food and cheer throughout the day, and work hard to sustain us and our staff. I know that I speak on behalf of all noble Lords when I say that we appreciate them and their hard work and recognise the vital contribution they make to this place.

I thank staff in the Committee Office and the Library for all that they do to allow this House to perform its core functions: to hold the Government to account and to scrutinise the legislation they seek to pass. The Library and the work of committees is fundamental in allowing us to do that. It is with them that we can do this in an informed, accurate and effective way.

Last but not least, I extend my thanks to the noble Earl, Lord Kinnoull, the noble Lord, Lord Stoneham, and, of course, the Government Chief Whip the Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms and his office for the work that they do in managing the business of the House. He knows that I respect him hugely and I am glad that the feeling is mutual. It has been a particularly busy period for us, and we have a lot to debate, scrutinise and discuss. I know that he has a tough task. I recognise the work that he and his office do on a daily basis. We do not agree on everything. Sometimes we violently disagree on certain things, but never in front of the children—for that, read the House. I appreciate the relationship we have built up since the election and beforehand, and look forward to working with him after the Recess to make sure that this House and all noble Lords have the opportunity to question what the Government are doing, how they are doing it and what they could do better. When I was Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms, I always provided the noble Lord, Lord Kennedy, with vast quantities of biscuits and cake to keep him sweet. That has been deficient in his tenure, so I look forward to more biscuits and cakes—I know that he eats them all.

Fundamentally, this is why all Members of your Lordships’ House are here today. It is in this spirit that we will seek to engage with the noble Lord and the usual channels, as we have done so far. I wish all noble Lords and the staff of this House a very happy Recess.