§ Mr. R. MORRISONI beg to ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether your attention has been called to statements in the Press that certain hon. Members of this House showed a party of American visitors over the House of Commons on the morning of Tuesday, 13th July, and allowed them to sit on the benches; that one hon. Member occupied the Speaker's Chair, while another hon. Member addressed the visitors there assembled; and whether you propose to prevent any recurrence of such an incident?
§ Mr. SPEAKERMy attention has been called to certain reports. I have made inquiries, and find that it is not the case 416 that anyone placed himself in this Chair; nor is it correct to state that anything in the nature of a mock debate took place.
At the same time, I must remind hon. Members of the regulation to the effect that a visitor must not take a seat in the Chamber, and ask them to see that it is strictly observed.
I am reluctant to put any new restrictions on a privilege which Members and visitors value.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLMay I ask whether it has been considered, with a view to the comfort of Members generally during the mornings, that the rule which applies on Saturdays could not be applied to the other weekdays?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member has a suggestion to make, perhaps he will let me have it in writing. I should want to see what that involved.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs there any harm done by a member of the British public sitting in one of the unoccupied seats, when the House is not in Session?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think the existing rule is adequate.
§ Mr. BUCHANANMay I ask whether in this case there was any intentional disrespect to the House?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have been careful to avoid, in what I have said, any note of censure. I have corrected certain statements, which I find have no foundation. Unless the hon. Member thinks what I have said is inadequate, it would be better to leave the matter there.
§ Colonel DAYIs it riot a fact that on many occasions Members—