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Earl Attlee: My Lords, we on these Benches do not have the difficulty of having Whips. Therefore it is my pleasant duty to speak to the Adjournment Motion on behalf of the Cross-Bench Peers. I understand that at a later stage we shall pay tribute to the Clerk of the Parliaments. I am sure that praise will be warm and fulsome. I particularly remember the valuable advice that he had to give us when we were placed in a difficult position on the Railways Bill. We were grateful for his advice.
There is no chance to mention all of our staff, but it is in order to mention a few of them. One of the most enjoyable aspects of life in your Lordships' House is the warm and friendly relations we have with our staff. A good example is the playful banter that one has with Rita Bird, the head housemaid. She does that after having arrived at 5 o'clock in the morning. Possibly as a result of my relatively young age, it was at least a year before she realised that I was a Peer. Then the banter immediately changed--slightly. She now retires as head housemaid, but I am sure noble Lords will be pleased to hear that she will continue to help out in the souvenir shop. Those noble Lords who are involved in high finance can continue to be looked after by Mr. Painter, the doorkeeper, who leaves after two years to go to Cazenoves.
I wish to say a few words about some of the unseen work of the Parliamentary Works Directorate staff. They manage to keep a 140 year-old building in operational condition for whenever we need it, even when we ask to use it with no notice when there is an emergency recall. With their smooth efficiency it is not surprising that many noble Lords are unaware that the Royal Gallery is being completely reroofed. That is a major undertaking. We give our heartfelt thanks to all the staff of the Palace of Westminster, wherever they work. I wish everyone a merry Christmas.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
- House adjourned for the Christmas Recess at twenty-three minutes before three o'clock until Monday, 13th January next.
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