HC Deb 14 July 1926 vol 198 cc415-7
Mr. R. MORRISON

I 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. SPEAKER

My attention has been called to certain reports. I have made inquiries, and find that it is not the case 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 NALL

May 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. SPEAKER

If 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. STEPHEN

Is 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. SPEAKER

I think the existing rule is adequate.

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I ask whether in this case there was any intentional disrespect to the House?

Viscountess ASTOR

Gould I explain to the House exactly what happened?

Mr. SPEAKER

I 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 DAY

Is it riot a fact that on many occasions Members—

HON. MEMBERS

Agreed!