HOUSE MEETS AS USUAL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21963, 15 May 1941, Page 5

HOUSE MEETS AS USUAL

Full Ritual In New Home (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 13. The House of Commons, like thousands of people who have been bombed out of their homes, carried on to-day as if nothing had happened. Although the members met in unfamiliar surroundings, all the traditional ritual was observed. The Mace was brought from the ruins of St. Stephens to lead the procession and the Speaker (Captain E. A. Fitzroy) sat in a replica of the famous Chair. On the table in front of him were the counterparts of the dispatch boxes and there were galleries for diplomats, the press, and the public. Prayers were said and the Order of the Day called as if nothing had happened. At question-time, Mr J. Maxton (Independent Labour) asked if the House could not find a place to meet in its old home.

Mr Churchill replied that Mr Maxton had better go and have a look at the old building, which was in ruins and damaged beyond repair for a long time to come. He announced that plans were being made for a third building th the event of the present one beinjj destroyed so that Parliament could proceed with its work without interruption through enemy action.