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The UK House of Commons

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  • 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
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    • 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
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        • 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
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            • 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
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                    • 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
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                              • 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
                                      0
                                      • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                                        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."

                                        G Offline
                                        G Offline
                                        GenJerDan
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #25

                                        :)

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

                                        1 Reply Last reply
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