On the same day in the House of Commons there
was the short but dignified event of Mr. Speaker's announce- ment of his resignation. The regrets of the party leaders were briefly but feelingly expressed. Then the House passed to the Committee stage of the Rating and Valuation Bill. With the aid of the closure the Minister of Health and Sir Kingsley Wood had little difficulty in disposing of amendments and making some progress with the Bill. On Tuesday Mr. Speaker bade farewell to the House and customary motions were moved by the Prime Minister. The speeches of the leaders and of the Speaker were quite admirable expressions of respect and affection on all sides. The wonderful, conquering spirit of the House which Mr. Whitley has so successfully fostered among the many new-comers of the last seven years was well illustrated by an unexpected speech from Mr. Saklatvala, who is not accustomed to the general cheers that he then evoked. The House returned to the Rating and Valuation Bill. In the Lords Lord Cecil tried to goad the Government into a less negative attitude towards the Disarmament Preparatory Commission at Geneva. "On Wednesday the new Speaker, Captain E. A. Fitzroy, was elected amid the happiest auguries. His experience as Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, and the respect that he has earned in that Chair, warrant everyone's confidence in the choice of the House.
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