PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
42 year anniversary of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (9 March 2020)

That this House notes that 8 March 2020 marked 42 years since the first broadcast of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series on BBC Radio 4; further notes that the series by the late Douglas Adams went on to appear in various and contradictory manifestations including novels, video games, stage and film adaptations; notes that the works have sold more than 14 million copies worldwide and have been translated into dozens of different languages; believes that the appeal of the works lies in a gentle and wide-ranging humour which contrasts mundane aspects of daily life with the fantastical opportunities of science and exploration, including the famous proposition that the number 42 represents the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, and that the best response in any given situation is don't panic; and expresses its thanks and best wishes to the family and estate of Douglas Adams and all those who have been associated with the production, publication and performance of the works over the last 42 years.

Sponsored by:
Patrick Grady (Scottish National Party)