§ Mr. John Stokes (Halesowen and Stourbridge)" On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I apologise for not having given you notice earlier, but I should like to know whether it is compatible with the dignity and independence of Parliament that entry to the Palace of Westminster should be picketed?
§ Mr. SpeakerIs the hon. Gentleman saying that hon. Members were picketed on their way in? I can only express a personal opinion, as the guardian of the House. If anyone tries to stop hon. Members—[Interruption.] Order. If the question is that hon. Members were asked not 618 to come in—[HON. MEMBERS:"NO."]—it would be undermining our democratic system. If that were not the question, and the pickets were just standing there, I am afraid that it is an old custom that has gone on since the time of Mr. Speaker Hylton-Foster.
§ Mr. StokesYou asked me a question, Mr. Speaker. Before entering, I was asked whether I would read a piece of paper. I do not wish to be asked to read a piece of paper before coming here.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That is different. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will understand that that is different from an attempt to stop an hon. Member from coming to this free Parliament.