Mr Speaker
I have now to announce the results of a number of deferred Divisions. On the Question relating to the draft Unfair Dismissal Order 2013, the Ayes were 300 and the Noes were 204, so the Question was agreed to.
In the deferred Division on the Question relating to the draft order to amend the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the Ayes were 299 and the Noes were 205, so the Question was agreed to.
In the deferred Division on the Question relating to the Court of Judicature, Northern Ireland, the Ayes were 301 and the Noes were 203, so the Question was agreed to.
In the deferred Division on the Question relating to the senior courts of England and Wales, the Ayes were 300 and the Noes were 202, so the Question was agreed to.
[The Division lists are published at the end of today’s debates.]
Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. The House is probably not aware that the Central Lobby reception staff, William and Carlos, are due to be subject to a major change. Central Lobby reception staff, as the first point of contact for Members and the public, give a positive impression of both Houses in their fine formal clothing, mirroring that of our excellent Doorkeepers. They have an extensive knowledge of the Members of both Houses and the ability to provide an important extra layer of security to the Palace of Westminster. All that is set to change this October.
Gone will be the smart formal wear, to be replaced by what in my opinion, by comparison, is a sort of glorified school uniform. The staff will be on rotation, so that valuable knowledge will be lost, and I believe security will be seriously weakened. May I ask, Mr Speaker, that your Committee meeting in September urgently considers this issue, and perhaps considers transferring the function of Central Lobby staff to the Serjeant at Arms Office? In the meantime, may we have a moratorium on these changes until the end of the year?
Mr Speaker
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. I make two points in response. First, security matters should not be discussed on the Floor of the House, and the hon. Gentleman will not expect me to do so. Secondly, with reference to the changes that he describes, it is of course open to the hon. Gentleman and others to discuss these matters with the Serjeant at Arms if he so wishes. If there is a feeling among Members that they would wish this matter to come before the House of Commons Commission, I cannot off the top of my head see any reason why that should not be possible. I think I would want to consider the matter further, but my instinctive reaction to the hon. Gentleman is what I have just set out. I hope that that is helpful to him and to others interested in the matter.
Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con)
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I was not aware of that proposal until I heard about it a moment ago from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello). I am bound to say that what he said shocks me. I hear what you have said, Mr Speaker, and I would like to make it known that I, with a few years’ experience in this House, strongly endorse everything the hon. Gentleman said.
Mr Speaker
On the strength of what the hon. Gentleman has just said, it looks to me as though he is potentially joining forces with the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello) and could be part of a delegation. It is always a pleasure to hear from both hon. Members—on this occasion and, it would appear, in the autumn. I hope that is helpful.