§ Mr. SpeakerI have a statement to make about what took place during and after Question Time on Thursday last.
Robust debate has always been a feature of our system, but robust debate does not extend to disruption—and, in particular, to interruptions from a sedentary position—which effectively ensure that a speech or a question cannot be heard. This was the case on Thursday.
I would ask the House to remember that the broadcasting of our proceedings means that we can be heard but not seen, and frequently this distorts what is going on in the Chamber.
I also remind the House that, when I was chosen your Speaker last June, I claimed on your behalf in another place our historic privilege of freedom of speech. We have a supreme duty to set an example to those we represent by ensuring that freedom of speech is upheld in this Chamber.
Finally, I take this opportunity to remind all right hon. and hon. Members—particularly new Members—that the placing of a prayer card on a particular seat does not give that Member a prescriptive right to that seat unless he has occupied it for Prayers.
I hope that in all this I shall have the unqualified support of the House.