A centenarian’s view of Parliament’s continuity
sir – Concern has been expressed by some members of the House of Commons that, if they have to leave the building during restoration, some of their historic usages will be lost.
Being 100 years old, I remember very well the sad sight of the House of Commons when it was bombed during the last war. The Commons chamber was open to the skies, a complete ruin. While some mementos were found, it was no longer usable as a debating chamber. In particular the loss of the dispatch boxes on which ministers often rest their notes was keenly felt. The Oxford Union debating society offered its somewhat similar dispatch boxes to the Commons.
Winston Churchill and the Cabinet continued the government of the Empire. Arrangements were made for the House of Commons to have temporary use of the chamber of the House of Lords. A curtain covered the royal throne. The Lords sat in the Robing Room.
Occasionally the House of Lords would revert to its normal use, and it was good to see the King wearing his crown on the throne with the beautiful Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) beside him.
It was seven or eight years before MPS sat in the rebuilt chamber.
I think this wartime event should reassure the present members of the Commons.
John Richard Haynes
Dorking, Surrey