NO DISTRACTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 64, 16 March 1936, Page 5

NO DISTRACTIONS.

WESTMINSTER M.P.'S. LEISURE OF LEGISLATORS. TELEVISION SET VETOED. (By Air Mail.—Own Correspondent.) LONDON", February 14. An attempt by Mr. Hall Caine, M.P., to brighten the leisure of our legislators by having a television set installed at Westminster has failed, as everyone who knows anything about conditions there expected that it would.

The Parliamentary authorities disapprove of everything that might distract attention from Parliamentary work. Although the Victorians described the Palace of Westminster as "the best club in London," there are few clubi? anywhere that cannot outdo it in amenities.

Most of the daily newspapers are available for members, but few other periodicals. Cards —even for playing patience—are strictly barred. Chess and draughts ore the only games permitted. The only wireless sets in the building are those in the private residences of the Speaker and other officials of the House.

Attempts in the past to have billiard, tables and squash courts introduced have always failed. The only exception to the no distractions rule is a rifle range, but it is little used nowadays, and probably few members know of its existence.