“Glorified Bar”

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 11, 14 January 1936, Page 9

“Glorified Bar”

PARLIAMENT SMOKE-ROOM

HERBERT MORRISON'S ADVICE

LONDON, Dec. 14.

M.’sP. are not very concerned by a warning given to the now Socialist members by Mr. Herbert Morrison, M.P. Socialist leader of the L.C.C., that “Parliament is almost the easiest place in which to becomo a chronic drinker." He described the smoke-room of the House ass “for all the world like a glorified saloon bar." It was stated that it was not likely that the Speaker would be approached with la view to raising the question in the House. Even if a group of M.’sP. decided to do so, it would be doubtful whether the Speaker would allow it to be discussed.

Mr. George Lansbury said: “Herbert Morrison’s statements are not injurious, and are merely advice to new members. There is a lot of time when members have nothing to do, and then they are faced wuj. the temptation to sit down in a snug Tetreat and have a smoke and a drink. ‘ ‘ Mr. Morrison wants them to use this free time in the House to study, and I don’t see why there can be any objection to his telling them to do this and so improve their knowledge. “Ho seeks, quite rightly, to remind an M.P. that ho is at the House for work, and that he should take advantage of every opportunity to improve himself and becomo conversant -with knowledge that might help him to assist in solving various problems."