§ 2.44 p.m.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows.
To ask the Chairman of Committees whether he will propose that the appropriate Committee of the House should reconsider the rule that men who do not wear ties are excluded from the seats for Strangers below the Bar.
§ The CHAIRMAN of COMMITTEES (The Earl of Listowel)Yes, my Lords, I will ask the appropriate Committee to consider this matter at their next meeting. I hope that the noble Lord, Lord 1883 Brockway, will attend the meeting and express his views.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, while welcoming that Answer, may I ask the noble Earl the Chairman of Committees whether he is aware that last week a not undistinguished visitor was on this ground quite courteously refused permission to sit in one of the seats that are available to friends of Members of this House? Is this not an obsolete method of judging men's apparel in these days?
§ The Earl of LISTOWELMy Lords, I am now aware of the noble Lord's problem. I am sure that what he has said will be taken into account by the Committee.
§ Lord CARRINGTONMy Lords, is the noble Earl aware that if everybody had the same taste in ties as the noble Lord, Lord Brockway, this would greatly encourage the wearing of ties?
§ Baroness EMMET of AMBERLEYMy Lords, would it not solve the problem if a few disposable ties were kept in the Lobby in order to help those who come without ties?
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, is the noble Earl aware that I have no prejudice in this matter and regard ties as a very colourful contribution to this House?