HC Deb 01 February 1967 vol 740 cc475-6
Mr. Speaker

Mr. McMaster.

Mr. McMaster

Question No. 1.

Mr. Temple

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. At about 1.20 p.m. today I entered the Chamber, only to find a considerable amount of torn-up paper on the floor. I inquired of the messengers who was permitted to enter the Chamber and I was informed that as the Mace was still on the Table, nobody other than a Member of Parliament was able to enter. Therefore, I entered the Chamber myself and, with my own hands, I picked up the paper that was on the floor.

I regarded the slovenly condition of the Chamber as most undesirable and I wondered to myself what kind of impression this would create on hon. Members entering the Chamber at 2.30, quite apart from other people who may be observing our proceedings.

I wish to ask, Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I hope that we shall not have a long speech on a point of order.

Mr. Temple

I wish to ask for your guidance, Mr. Speaker, about whether you could use your influence with those responsible for the conduct of the House so that either the Mace may be removed so that the Chamber may be cleaned, or that a squad of hon. Members may be recruited so that they may come in each day shortly before 2.30 to clean up the Chamber.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Further to that point of order—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I hope that we will not lose the valuable time which we are gaining for Questions. Mr. Hughes, a point of order?

Mr. Hector Hughes

May I say a word, Mr. Speaker, further to the point of order? I do not want to delay the House, but is not what has just been said by the hon. Member for the City of Chester (Mr. Temple) an argument in favour of our reverting to the former time of sitting of the House?

Mr. Speaker

We cannot discuss that now. I will look into the point raised by the hon. Member for the City of Chester (Mr. Temple). In the meantime, we are grateful to him for helping to clean the Chamber.