§ Mr. SpeakerI have a brief statement to make to the House.
During the dissolution period in April 1979, I authorised on my own responsibility the erection in our Chamber of a commemorative plaque to the memory of the late Airey Neave displaying his coat of arms. As the House knows, this is positioned over the door leading to the Members' Lobby.
It has recently been suggested to me that a similar plaque might be erected in memory of the late. Rev. Robert Bradford. In my view, this is now a matter for the House, since I do not think that it would be right for me in the present circumstances to exercise responsibilities which were appropriate only when the House was in dissolution and the Speaker was the sole embodiment of its administrative authority.
Later—
§ Mr. Michael English (Nottingham, West)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I understand that you, like other people, can be cross-questioned on statements. May I ask you whether you have it in mind that all the hon. Members who in the 700 years of the existence of this House have died on active service for their country should be commemorated here?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman's question is not quite in harmony with Christmas week. I made a statement which I thought was in harmony with the feeling of the House. It is a matter for the House to decide, not for me.