Across the Floor of the House
The Prime Minister had a congenial theme when he moved the appointment of a Select Committee of the Commons to report 00 plans for the rebuilding of the House. Who but Mr. Churchill could expand so eloquently on the symbolic character of the old Chamber, finding in each detail of its structure an exact corre- spondence with British democracy? Indeed, we might almost suppose from his words that our Parliamentary institutions depend as much on the building itself as on the character of the British people. To foreigners it would sound strange indeed to hear that a House too small to seat its Members was best, and that the part system depends on its oblong shape. Yet Mr. Churchill persuaded most of his audience against all logic, and was felt to be right. The smallness of the space permits of 'the conversational style and quick informal interruptions,, and makes a half-empty House less depressing ; and Mr. Churchill. likes that " sense of crowd and urgency " on great occasions when Members are unable to find seat. Similarly, the oblong shape, with' party facing party, suits 011] Constitution, and tells against the group system which has proved so destructive elsewhere. Honourable Members, it would appear,
prefer, of deliberate choice, to go back to their Victorian 'building with its cramped accommodation and a hundred inconveniences,
dominated not a little by the effluence of the spirit of Gladstone and Disraeli. It may well be that a little more room will be found for the Press, a little for strangers, and that the acoustics and tilt ventilation may be improved.' But in essentials the House is MO to be what it was.
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