SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22742, 30 November 1935, Page 7

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

KEEPER OF ORDER IN COMMONS One of the most powerful and ceremonial posts in the British Parliament, that of Sergeant-at-Arnis of the House of Commons has just been relinquished by an admiral (retired) and taken over by a brigadier-general. The admiral is Sir Colin Keppcl, who has been “ policeman ” of the Commons for more than 20 years; his successor is Brigadiergeneral C. A. Howard. Extraordinary powers are possessed by the Sergeant-at-Arms. He is the only official in Britain to have a private prison, the Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament, and the only one who may call on the services of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to assist him id carrying out his duties. He is the custodian of law and order within the precincts of the Commons. It is his duty and that of his staff to eject from the House members who have been suspended for misbehaviour and who refuse to leave, and he also takes into custody “ strangers who introduce themselves into the House or otherwise misconduct themselves.” He wears a ceremonial uniform with knee breeches, and wears a sword.

Admiral Sir Colin Keppel, the retired Sergeant-at-Anns. was called upon to deal with two crises in recent years. In the first case an unruly M.P. snatched the mace. Before most people had recovered their breath Sir Colin was striding up the floor of the House to the rescue of the emblem of the King’s authority. Twisting it firmly from the M.P.’s grasp, he calmly restored it to its place on the table. The other "crisis” arose in 1931, when turbulent John M'Govern defied an order to leave the House. He was carried out. struggling, bv Sir Colin’s men. The new Sergeant-at-Arrns is tall and well built, a striking figure in his new uniform. At Castle Rising, his home in Norfolk, he is next-door neighbour to the King.