HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 c1792
42. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will move to refer to the Select Committee on Procedure the practice whereby some hon. Members stake out claims to particular seats in the Chamber of the House of Commons by placing their name cards on them or in the metal frame behind them, with a view to retaining the practice of hon. Members occupying certain seats by custom and continued usage.

Mr. Bowden

Standing Orders Nos. 102 and 103 cover this procedure but the Select Committee can, if it wishes, look at this question.

Mr. Hughes

If those Standing Orders cover the procedure referred to in my Question, how is it that some hon. Members opposite still stake out claims in an outmoded fashion, while Members on this side of the House do not do that at all? Is not this completely outmoded in our civilisation?

Mr. Bowden

Those hon. Members opposite to whom my hon. and learned Friend refers are in fact adopting the method set out in Standing Orders Nos. 102 and 103. If hon. Members on this side of the House wish to do the same, there is nothing to prevent them from doing so.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only objectors to this time-hallowed practice are the slothful and the dilatory?