10 SEPTEMBER 1965, Page 10

Mr. Speaker It is a sad commentary on our times

that the death in office of a Speaker should have been the occasion for frantic calculations about the likely effect on the Government's majority, rather than of tribute to the man. In due course his place will be filled, and it is worth reminding Mr. Wilson that this is a matter for the House of Commons and not for the Prime Minister to decide. - It would be humbug to pretend that Sir Harry was not criticised as a Speaker especially and ine- vitably in the present tenure session of Parlia- ment. Perhaps he was too gentle for the Chair. Yet the warm tributes paid to him were well earned and sincerely meant. He was a humble, humorous and humane man.