I have ascertained that it will be His Excellency the Governor-General's pleasure to receive you, Mr Speaker, in the Members Hall immediately after the resumption of sittings at 2.40 pm.

I thank the Prime Minister. Prior to my presentation to His Excellency this afternoon, the bells will be rung for five minutes so that honourable members may attend in the chamber and then accompany me to the Members Hall.

Sitting suspended from 11:48 to 14:40

The Speaker and honourable members proceeded to the Members Hall and having returned—

I have to report that, accompanied by honourable members, I proceeded to the Members Hall and presented myself to His Excellency the Governor-General as the choice of the House as its Speaker and that His Excellency was kind enough to congratulate me.