Page 13 - link magazine

LETTER F OM WESTMINSTER 13

After positive reaction to the articles in last month's Link magazine by Swindon's
two new Members of Parliament, we have invited them to contribute regular insights CROSSWAYS
into the workings at Westminster. This month, Michael Wills, MP for Swindon North writes: PET & GARDEN
Change!? .... But, you don't understand For all your pet
& garden needs
Stockists of IAMS,
The Terrace is packed with MPs what Westminster is about." A
plotting with journalists. The Lob- senior official of the House diplo- Eukanuba, Hills
Science Plan
bies fill and empty as hundreds of matically explained to me that the
Labour MPs shuffle and file pa- cut-and-thrust of debate and the Available now
Baby rabbits,
tiently past their tellers while a opportunity to cross-examine the Guinea pigs,
handful of Tories saunter past other side is what elevates our leg- Hamsters, Budgies
theirs. After the euphoria of the islature from those in Europe
Open 7 days a week • Free local delivery
early days, the House of Commons which are so stupifyingly boring
537 Cricklade Road, Swindon
is settling down to business as because all the politicians do there
(near the Moon rakers)
usual. is come along and read out pre-
The Chamber is suspiciously full pared speeches. In the House of Tel: (01793) 700170
on these hot evenings. I wondered Commons reading your speech is
why so many MPs were drawn to time as we would like on this task. a sin second in gravity only to clap-
follow technical and detailed de- Why do we all have to spend quite ping (the approved sign of ap- GUARANTEED
bates on obscure subjects until so much time hanging around un- proval is a growled 'hear hear'). REPAIRS...
someone pointed out that it is one til the early hours of the morning "You'll learn," they say as I ask
of the few places in this stuffy and to vote when at least some of us them to sign a petition for reform. SAME DAY
sweltering palace that has air-con- could be in our constituencies in- At the moment, the new boys and LOCAL SERVICE
ditioning. stead? Why cannot more legisla- girls are enthusiastically pressing WHEREVER POSSIBLE
The first committees have now tion be more precisely time-tabled for a new working environment.
WASHING MACHINES,
been set up and the one that is to allow us to plan our diaries more But, as everything continues to TUMBLE DRIERS, TWIN TUBS,
absorbing the attention of most than a week in advance? Why are settle down, we'll see if this Parlia- HOME LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT
new MPs is the one looking at the men not allowed to take their jack- ment will be any different from its & DOMESTIC APPLICANCES
procedures of the House of Com- ets off in Standing Committees? predecessors in which any reforms SERVICE • SPARES • REPAIRS
mons. Most of us feel strongly that The MPs who have already sur- have sidled in apologetically and
we were elected to serve our con- vived one Parliament shake their left a House of Commons which WA S H CA RE
stituents and cannot understand heads at such naive passion. Most Pitt the Younger and Gladstone
why the House seems to operate in of them visited here when they and Aneurin Bevan would still rec- SWINDON
old-fashioned ways that often seem first arrived. "You don't under- ognise as kin to that they so 01793 - 643785
to preclude us spending as much stand," they now say. "This is adorned so many years ago.

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