Memory Lane

On 27th February 2020, it will be 68 years since I made my maiden utterance in the House of Commons.

It was in fact an intervention rather than a speech, and so far it has been my only one. But I am surely the youngest person ever to have addressed the Chamber, however junior the MPS standing at this election.

I was five and a half, and I took myself very seriously.

My father – Lance Mallalieu (1905-79), Liberal MP for Colne Valley – had been an actual Baby of the House, aged 25, in 1931. He had often taken me to the House, usually for tea. I had met such formidable characters as Bessie Braddock.

But this was the first time I had been allowed to see what went on in the Chamber. I recall the occasion – and I have my father’s diary and a newspaper report to help me remember.

In those days, male dependants of MPS were allowed to occupy the bench below the gallery, directly facing the Speaker. Before being admitted, I was vetted by an official in morning coat and gold chain. Greatly impressed by this looming figure of authority, in best writing I signed a declaration that I would in no way interrupt the proceedings.

It was February 1952, soon after Winston Churchill returned to Downing Street, and the Commons was in full cry.

Labour MP Chuter Ede was facing a barrage of heckles from the Tory benches.

His supporters were making as much noise urging the opposition to let him speak, and he turned to

Huon and dad (far left), Lance Mallalieu MP, 1955 them, saying, ‘Let them interrupt if they want. It won’t affect my argument.’

Full of indignation, I rose to my full three foot something and piped, ‘You may not interrupt – you’ve signed your papers!’

There was just enough time to see my red-faced father trying to disappear under his bench before the goldchained official sternly removed a small boy, made indignant by the injustice.

By Huon Mallalieu, London, who receives £50. Readers are invited to send in their own 400-word submissions about the past

More Memory Lanes on the Oldie App See page 6