48. Wing-Commander Jamesasked the Prime Minister whether the opportunity will now be taken to review the position of the Speaker's seat?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government have no intention to review this matter at the present time. A Select Committee of this House reported on the question of Mr. Speaker's seat as recently as April, 1939. I refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Report of that Committee. (House of Commons Paper 98 of 4th April, 1939.)
Wing-Commander JamesWill the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to this matter, in view of the fact that experience in the Daventry Division, in which I live, has shown that while there is a general desire on the part of all parties to respect the high office and person of the Speaker, it is felt that the present system is obsolete and results in a negation of the needs of present-day representation?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not agree at all. The matter was very carefully considered at the time of the last difficulty on this subject before the Report of the Committee which examined the problem, 1325 and it touches very deep-seated principles in the constitution of the House of Commons.
§ Mr. ManderWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that there will be very strong objection to any change in the present system from conservative-minded persons like myself?
§ Mr. Ivor ThomasIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Speaker's seat requires no patching?