HC Deb 15 November 1937 vol 329 cc24-5
43. Mr. Turton

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will place a clock and annunciator in the Chess Room of the House of Commons?

Sir P. Sassoon

I will place a clock in the Chess Room, and, if my hon. Friend can assure me that an annunciator is generally desired by Members who use this room, I will consider the matter further.

Mr. Turton

May I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply?

Mr. Thorne

When the right hon. Gentleman considers this, will he bear in mind that some of my companions had a room downstairs and had an annunciator which was pinched by the women when they went to that room?

Miss Wilkinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that an annunciator in the Chess Room would be most disturbing to serious players of the game?

44. Mr. V. Adams

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will arrange for a second clock to be put in the Chamber of the House of Commons, above Mr. Speaker's chair, to correspond with the clock already above the Bar?

Sir P. Sassoon

I am not aware that there is any general demand for a second clock, and as there are certain difficulties, I hardly feel disposed to accept my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Thurtle

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult Mr. Speaker on this matter and represent to him that the presence of a clock over his chair would have the desirable effect of causing Members to make their speeches shorter than they otherwise would be.

Sir P. Sassoon

If that can be proved I shall be willing to consult Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Adams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Members speaking from certain positions can only see the clock by twisting away from you, Sir, and so putting themselves out of order, and is my right hon. Friend aware that such an arrangement does not promote that brevity of speech to which we all aspire?