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Tributes: Staff

My Lords, it is a privilege and a pleasure to follow the noble Lord the Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms in paying tribute to all staff of this House, both personally and on behalf of those on the Benches behind me—Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Naturally, I fully endorse all the remarks made by the noble Lord, Lord Bassam. I should like to put on record the remarkable service of Hedley Duncan who retired as Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod this year after 10 years’ service to this House. He came to us after a long career in the Armed Forces, where he reached the rank of brigadier. His expertise was invaluable throughout his time. He, too, was involved in the arrangements for the Lying in State of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, when some 200,000 members of the public came to pay their respects. I also commend the remarkable service of Dave Foley, our Redcoat in Black Rod’s Department, who served us memorably for 12 years. He joined us after a long and distinguished career as a flight sergeant in the Royal Air Force. Goodness, we knew it. We are kept in order by our officers here. His sense of loyalty and duty were evident daily, he was well liked by Peers and throughout the House he was known for his helpful approach. All our staff, as the noble Lord, Lord Bassam, said, merit our special thanks this year, one that has been difficult for both House of Parliament. Politicians' reputations have been dented and some of the public confidence in our institutions of government undermined. Throughout all this, our staff and officers have been the public face of this House, day in and day out. It is they who meet and assist the public day after day. It is so often they who have to bear the brunt of critical comments. They always do so, as we ourselves see, with the utmost courtesy and distinction. They have a care for the reputation of this House, for which we are all most grateful. I wish our officers, our staff, and all Members of this House a very happy Christmas Recess and a good return in the new year.