§ Mr. ManderMr. Speaker, I desire to ask for your guidance on a matter of which I have given you notice—whether it is in accordance with the traditions and customs of this House for Members of the Government to sit on the Front Opposition Bench?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is my desire, in giving Rulings of this kind, always to ensure that the House realises that I have no direct authority. As a matter of fact, no place in this House is allotted to any particular Member; but, beyond that, it is the usual custom of this House that the Front Government Bench is occupied by members of the Government and the Front Opposition Bench by members of the official Opposition. It has been necessary to modify these provisions, because there does not happen to be any official Opposition; and, as "no man can serve two masters," it is very undesirable for members of His Majesty's Government to sit on the Front Opposition Bench. It would undoubtedly lead to misunderstanding.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf no particular place in the House is allotted to any Member, have we the right to sit on the Government Front Bench?
§ Mr. SpeakerIf the hon. Member would come down to the House and be present during prayers and put a card on a seat on the Government bench, he would be entitled to sit there, but it would be contrary to the practice of the House that he should do so.