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The UK House of Commons

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  • R Rage

    JavedFeroze wrote:

    I watch UK House of Commons in session on BBC news.

    Ahh, you are the one ! They've been wondering all this time who that single spectator was.

    J Offline
    J Offline
    JavedFeroze
    wrote on last edited by
    #5

    lol. Let me rephrase it, I happen to catch a glimpse of it while changing channels. :)

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

      Simple: They know the cameras are there and want to be seen on telly. Before the cameras started broadcasting, if you visited you were lucky to find a dozen in there - and some of those would be asleep.

      Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

      J Offline
      J Offline
      JavedFeroze
      wrote on last edited by
      #6

      MPs will be MPs, anywhere. I was actually more interested in whether the accommodation was not well planned. Nagy Vilmos' reply suggests so.

      OriginalGriffO 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • N Nagy Vilmos

        As well as wanting to be seen to be working, there is a serious overcrowding issue with the chambers. It was originally built for about 500 members, that number has increased to 650.


        Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

        J Offline
        J Offline
        JavedFeroze
        wrote on last edited by
        #7

        Interesting. I hope that wasn't some subtle humor coz if it were, it went right over my head.

        N 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • J JavedFeroze

          Interesting. I hope that wasn't some subtle humor coz if it were, it went right over my head.

          N Offline
          N Offline
          Nagy Vilmos
          wrote on last edited by
          #8

          No, tis a factoid. Mrs Wife and the girls had a 'backstage' tour from a friend about a month ago, this was one of many fascinating facts that came out. For example, the reason they're not allowed to cross the red lines during a debate is?


          Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

          OriginalGriffO 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • N Nagy Vilmos

            As well as wanting to be seen to be working, there is a serious overcrowding issue with the chambers. It was originally built for about 500 members, that number has increased to 650.


            Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

            OriginalGriffO Offline
            OriginalGriffO Offline
            OriginalGriff
            wrote on last edited by
            #9

            Surprisingly, that turns out not to be the case. The Original Palace of Westminster was pretty much destroyed by a fire in 1834, and the existing building was built in it's place over the thirty years starting in 1840. The number of MPs in 1840 was 658, and the current number is 650 (and about 600 too many, if you ask me). Palace of Westminster history[^] Number of Westminster MPs[^]

            Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

            "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
            "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

            N J 2 Replies Last reply
            0
            • J JavedFeroze

              MPs will be MPs, anywhere. I was actually more interested in whether the accommodation was not well planned. Nagy Vilmos' reply suggests so.

              OriginalGriffO Offline
              OriginalGriffO Offline
              OriginalGriff
              wrote on last edited by
              #10

              Surprisingly, Nagy is wrong - I have addressed this in a reply to him!

              Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

              "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
              "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • J JavedFeroze

                The Indian House of Commons (Lok Sabha) is in session again and I have been watching intermittently. I watch UK House of Commons in session on BBC news. I had also watched the Murdoch interrogation just recently. I wonder why is the UK's house so very congested. All the MPs seem to be sitting thigh to thigh and shoulder to shoulder. It looks very awkward and uncomfortable. They seem to be crammed. Of course, when its not as roomy as India's, MP's cannot sling punches and chairs. But jokes apart, seriously, why? Why is it like that?

                D Offline
                D Offline
                Dalek Dave
                wrote on last edited by
                #11

                Unlike a lot of parliaments, which are 'in the round', the UK Parliament is a confrontational 'You and us' shape. Government on one side, opposition on the other. The gap between the sides is two sword lengths so that on cannot fight in the chamber. It is only a parliament when the Mace is present, when it is not there, it is a committee. (This is evident on budget day when it is removed and the budget is read out). The reason for it's crampedness is that it was deliberately designed to be so. For most of the time there are not many members present, but on big important votes, all are present and it is standing room only for the latecomers. The reason is that on the big votes, the atmosphere is tense and charged, making it openly more hostile between the sides and easier for the whips to get round and ensure the wets don't vote the wrong way.

                ------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]

                J R 2 Replies Last reply
                0
                • N Nagy Vilmos

                  No, tis a factoid. Mrs Wife and the girls had a 'backstage' tour from a friend about a month ago, this was one of many fascinating facts that came out. For example, the reason they're not allowed to cross the red lines during a debate is?


                  Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

                  OriginalGriffO Offline
                  OriginalGriffO Offline
                  OriginalGriff
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #12

                  So they can't stab each other with a sword!

                  Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

                  "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
                  "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                    Surprisingly, that turns out not to be the case. The Original Palace of Westminster was pretty much destroyed by a fire in 1834, and the existing building was built in it's place over the thirty years starting in 1840. The number of MPs in 1840 was 658, and the current number is 650 (and about 600 too many, if you ask me). Palace of Westminster history[^] Number of Westminster MPs[^]

                    Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

                    N Offline
                    N Offline
                    Nagy Vilmos
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #13

                    Okay, my numbers are 100 years out. Rounding error. :-O


                    Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done. Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                      Surprisingly, that turns out not to be the case. The Original Palace of Westminster was pretty much destroyed by a fire in 1834, and the existing building was built in it's place over the thirty years starting in 1840. The number of MPs in 1840 was 658, and the current number is 650 (and about 600 too many, if you ask me). Palace of Westminster history[^] Number of Westminster MPs[^]

                      Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

                      J Offline
                      J Offline
                      JavedFeroze
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #14

                      Thanks.

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • D Dalek Dave

                        Unlike a lot of parliaments, which are 'in the round', the UK Parliament is a confrontational 'You and us' shape. Government on one side, opposition on the other. The gap between the sides is two sword lengths so that on cannot fight in the chamber. It is only a parliament when the Mace is present, when it is not there, it is a committee. (This is evident on budget day when it is removed and the budget is read out). The reason for it's crampedness is that it was deliberately designed to be so. For most of the time there are not many members present, but on big important votes, all are present and it is standing room only for the latecomers. The reason is that on the big votes, the atmosphere is tense and charged, making it openly more hostile between the sides and easier for the whips to get round and ensure the wets don't vote the wrong way.

                        ------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]

                        J Offline
                        J Offline
                        JavedFeroze
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #15

                        Thanks. The last line looks quite funny but I guess that is what is the origin of the phrase "party issues a whip...".

                        P 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • J JavedFeroze

                          Thanks. The last line looks quite funny but I guess that is what is the origin of the phrase "party issues a whip...".

                          P Offline
                          P Offline
                          Pete OHanlon
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #16

                          Without the whip system, it would be next to impossible for a government to get unpopular legislation through parliament.

                          Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads

                          My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier - my favourite utility

                          D 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • P Pete OHanlon

                            Without the whip system, it would be next to impossible for a government to get unpopular legislation through parliament.

                            Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads

                            My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier - my favourite utility

                            D Offline
                            D Offline
                            Dalek Dave
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #17

                            See the likes of Belgium and Greece for examples of that.

                            ------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • J JavedFeroze

                              The Indian House of Commons (Lok Sabha) is in session again and I have been watching intermittently. I watch UK House of Commons in session on BBC news. I had also watched the Murdoch interrogation just recently. I wonder why is the UK's house so very congested. All the MPs seem to be sitting thigh to thigh and shoulder to shoulder. It looks very awkward and uncomfortable. They seem to be crammed. Of course, when its not as roomy as India's, MP's cannot sling punches and chairs. But jokes apart, seriously, why? Why is it like that?

                              L Offline
                              L Offline
                              Lost User
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #18

                              Because there are too many of them; we could get rid of at least 50% and it would still be overcrowded.

                              Unrequited desire is character building.

                              P 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • J JavedFeroze

                                The Indian House of Commons (Lok Sabha) is in session again and I have been watching intermittently. I watch UK House of Commons in session on BBC news. I had also watched the Murdoch interrogation just recently. I wonder why is the UK's house so very congested. All the MPs seem to be sitting thigh to thigh and shoulder to shoulder. It looks very awkward and uncomfortable. They seem to be crammed. Of course, when its not as roomy as India's, MP's cannot sling punches and chairs. But jokes apart, seriously, why? Why is it like that?

                                C Offline
                                C Offline
                                Chris Quinn
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #19

                                It is called doughnuting - MP's cluster around whoever is speaking - they get their face on the telly, and it makes it look like there are lots of MP's attending

                                ==================================== Transvestites - Roberts in Disguise! ====================================

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • D Dalek Dave

                                  Unlike a lot of parliaments, which are 'in the round', the UK Parliament is a confrontational 'You and us' shape. Government on one side, opposition on the other. The gap between the sides is two sword lengths so that on cannot fight in the chamber. It is only a parliament when the Mace is present, when it is not there, it is a committee. (This is evident on budget day when it is removed and the budget is read out). The reason for it's crampedness is that it was deliberately designed to be so. For most of the time there are not many members present, but on big important votes, all are present and it is standing room only for the latecomers. The reason is that on the big votes, the atmosphere is tense and charged, making it openly more hostile between the sides and easier for the whips to get round and ensure the wets don't vote the wrong way.

                                  ------------------------------------ I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] Trolls[^]

                                  R Offline
                                  R Offline
                                  R Giskard Reventlov
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #20

                                  No, it's crowded cos they're a bunch of fat, ugly users with no sense and too much power. :)

                                  "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair. nils illegitimus carborundum me, me, me

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • L Lost User

                                    Because there are too many of them; we could get rid of at least 50% and it would still be overcrowded.

                                    Unrequited desire is character building.

                                    P Offline
                                    P Offline
                                    Pete OHanlon
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #21

                                    There would be plenty of room if Eric Pickles wasn't there.

                                    Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads

                                    My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier - my favourite utility

                                    L 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • P Pete OHanlon

                                      There would be plenty of room if Eric Pickles wasn't there.

                                      Forgive your enemies - it messes with their heads

                                      My blog | My articles | MoXAML PowerToys | Mole 2010 - debugging made easier - my favourite utility

                                      L Offline
                                      L Offline
                                      Lost User
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #22

                                      :laugh: :laugh:

                                      Unrequited desire is character building.

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                                        Simple: They know the cameras are there and want to be seen on telly. Before the cameras started broadcasting, if you visited you were lucky to find a dozen in there - and some of those would be asleep.

                                        Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

                                        G Offline
                                        G Offline
                                        GenJerDan
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #23

                                        Public schools.

                                        It always itches for the first week or so. My Mu[sic] My Films My Windows Programs, etc.

                                        OriginalGriffO 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • G GenJerDan

                                          Public schools.

                                          It always itches for the first week or so. My Mu[sic] My Films My Windows Programs, etc.

                                          OriginalGriffO Offline
                                          OriginalGriffO Offline
                                          OriginalGriff
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #24

                                          That was an odd email:

                                          Public schools.
                                          It always itches for the first week or so.

                                          In context, it makes sense. Out of context, though...

                                          Real men don't use instructions. They are only the manufacturers opinion on how to put the thing together. Manfred R. Bihy: "Looks as if OP is learning resistant."

                                          "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
                                          "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

                                          G 1 Reply Last reply
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