House of Lords: Prayers

Lord Clark of Windermere Excerpts

Thursday 31st March 2011 Lords Chamber

[The Chairman of Committees]

Well, yes, my Lords.

[Lord Clark of Windermere]

Does the Chairman of Committees accept that there is a feeling that we need to move forward on this? Perhaps I might suggest that we bear in mind the sentiments best reflected in Hymn 279 in the Primitive Methodist Hymn Book, which begins:

“When wilt Thou save the people?

Oh God of mercy, when?

Not kings and lords, but nations,

Not thrones and crowns, but men!”—

and I include women in that.

[The Chairman of Committees]

I am grateful to the noble Lord for informing me of the contents of that hymn, but I am not entirely sure I agree that it is the sentiment of the House that we should move on this matter.