HC Deb 15 May 1958 vol 588 cc615-6
Mr. Speaker

I have a short statement to make to the House about Division bells.

Difficulty has been experienced in distinguishing between a Division and a Count. The following system has, therefore, been arranged as an experiment. For a Division, the bells will ring continuously for 55 seconds, followed by a pause of 10 seconds, followed by another continuous ring of 55 seconds.

For a Count, the bells will ring intermittently for a period of one minute. Each ring will be for four seconds, followed by a pause of two seconds. This new system will take effect next Monday, 19th May, 1958.

Demonstration rings of a Division and a Count will be made at 1 p.m. on Monday, 19th May, and Tuesday, 20th May.

I should like to express my thanks to the Post Office engineers who made the experiments and constructed the apparatus.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is this experiment the result of representations from the Government, Mr. Speaker, because so few Government supporters are present to support their main speakers? That is why I have sometimes to call a Count.

Mr. Speaker

I may say that I attended a demonstration in a room downstairs, when the "usual channels" were present as auditors. I had the approval of both sides of the House to this experiment being made. I hope that hon. Members will listen to the demonstration rings, and convey any comments to me which they desire to make if those comments are unfavourable. Otherwise, I will understand that there is no objection to it.

Mr. Hughes

Why is a demonstration of a Count needed downstairs? Is not the demonstration in the Chamber?

Mr. Speaker

That is quite another matter.