The layout of the House of Commons reflects the nature of the party system. The debating chamber is rectangular, with the seat of the Speaker at one end, and at the other end a formal barrier, known as the 'Bar'.
Benches
run the length of both sides of the chamber, with the Government and its
supporters sitting to the right of the Speaker, and the Opposition and members
of the other parties seated to the left. Leaders of the Government and the
Opposition sit on the front benches, with their supporters -'backbenchers' -
sitting behind them. There are only 437 seats in the Chamber for the 650
Members, and so Members who arrive late must stand near the entrance of the
House.
Privileges
The privileges of the
House of Commons are -
(1) The privilege
of free speech. The
House enjoys freedom in the
matter and manner of debate.
(2) The privilege of access
to the Crown. The Lords enjoy this, privilege individually. But it is enjoyed
by the Commons collectively
(3) The privilege of having
the most favourable construction put upon all proceedings.
(4)
Right to regulate its own constitution, including the right to
exclude or expel members
(5) The right to enforce its
privileges and commit for contempt for breach of its privileges.
(6) The right to exclude
strangers
(7) The right to prohibit
publication of its own debates.
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