HC Deb 16 November 1931 vol 259 cc497-8
37. Mr. HOWARD

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in order to facilitate the business of the House, he will arrange for three recording tables to be used in the Lobby used by Government supporters; and, in order to prevent increasing the total cost of a Division, to reduce the recording tables to one for the Opposition?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I fear my hon. Friend's suggestion is not practicable as each Division Lobby is used by Government supporters according as to the manner in which a question is put from the Chair. I would add that the time occupied in taking divisions is controlled by the individual countings of Members by the Tellers, and not by the recordings at the desks, and that the erection of a third desk would only increase congestion between the desks and the Tellers.