Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have discussed the matter of chairing arrangements for divisions with the Deputy Speaker and the Second Deputy Speaker. I understand that members of the Speaker’s panel may not wish to be in the chair during divisions. Should a member of the Speaker’s panel wish to vacate the chair for a division he or she should send a message to this effect to me, to the Deputy Speaker or to the Second Deputy Speaker. If the bells have been started the deputy speaker on duty should inform the House that it is expected that the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker or the Second Deputy Speaker, as the case may be, is expected to take the chair while the bells are ringing.

Similarly, on certain questions the Deputy Speaker or the Second Deputy Speaker may wish to be replaced in the chair. In this case it would be for the Deputy Speaker or the Second Deputy Speaker to send a message to ask me to take the chair. They should also inform the House accordingly. For the information of members I present a copy of the document Agreement for a better parliament: parliamentary reform.