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Tributes: Staff

My Lords, we are at that happy time of the year once again when we all, but most of all the staff, take a well deserved break. I thank all who serve us so well in this House—the doorkeepers, the attendants, the restaurant and cleaning staff, the House authorities, including Hansard and Library staff, as well as all those buried in offices on the second floor and in Tothill Street who beaver away on our behalf. Special thanks are due to the clerks and those in the Finance Department, who have had much to deal with during the year. On behalf of the Cross Benches, I am truly grateful for their devoted service while remaining ever-helpful, ever-calm and ever-cheerful. It is still a wonder to behold the doorkeepers marshalling a crowded Peers’ Lobby to allow the Lord Speaker safe passage and the business of the House to continue its centuries-old tradition. I also thank John Rhodes, who retires after 12 years of devoted service to this House. Originally, John was recruited as a Senior Clerical Officer in the Accountant’s Office. He then worked in the Judicial Office before being promoted to work in the Delegated Legislation Office. He was a founder member of staff of the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee, rapidly helping the committee to establish a strong reputation and earning the respect and affection of his colleagues and the members of the committee. I also congratulate Stella Devadason on being appointed Redcoat and Jenny Banks on her splendid recovery, and I welcome John Dryden and Jackie Mouzouros as permanent doorkeepers in this House. I also send good wishes on his retirement and for the future to Dave Foley, who, as we know, retired this year. I wish all these and any others whom I may have neglected to mention a very peaceful and restorative holiday break, if only because it will be a busy parliamentary year ahead. We shall arrive on Tuesday, 5 January—some of us a little before—bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to be looked after during another Session.