This factsheet has been withdrawn. You may find the House of Commons Information Office’s new publications on how Parliament works useful.
If you require further information please contact the House of Commons Information Office: Tel: 020 7219 4272, Email: hcinfo@parliament.uk, Text phone: dial 18001 followed by 020 7219 4272
There are a number of traditions and customs employed in the House that the House of Commons Information Office is frequently asked to explain.
Some of these are ceremonies or aspects of official dress; these are described in Sir Peter Thorne's Ceremonial and the Mace in the House of Commons (HMSO, 1980). This Factsheet concentrates on certain practices and traditions that are not primarily ceremonial in nature. Many of these are unrelated to each other but it is hoped users of the series will find it valuable to have descriptions of them readily accessible.