Практикум по английскому языку (по истории Англии Средних веков). Пилипенко В.А - 36 стр.

      2. The House of Commons was rebuilt after the war. The new
House of Commons has many improvements, including air-
conditioning and the provision of microphones. It has however
seats only for 2/3 of its 630 members. They have got the place for
the Speaker, for the Opposition, the places for Independent
members, those who do not belong to either of the two great
political parties.
      3. Another difference between the British House of Commons
and Parliamentary Chambers in many other countries is that in the
House of Commons there are benches. From this we get the terms
«front benches», «back benches», «cross benches». The term «front
benches» stands for the two benches, one on each side of the House,
as far as the centre of gangway. The front bench on the Speaker’s
right is for the Prime Minister and the leading members of the
Government. That on the Speaker’s left is for the leader of the
Opposition and those members of the Opposition who have formed,
or who are likely to form an alternative government. The back benches
are occupied by members who have no right to front bench seats. The
cross benches may be used by those Independent members who do
not vote regularly.
      4. Only 4 members of the House of Commons have reserved seats.
One, of course, is the Speaker; another member is «the Father of
the House of Commons». The other two reserved seats are for the
Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition.
      5. If a member of the House of Commons wants to speak, he tries
to catch the Speaker’s eye. The Speaker decides who is to speak next.
The member who is named remains standing and speaks from the
place where he has been sitting. He must address the Speaker not the
House as a whole. The only members who speak from the Clerk’s table
are the Government and Opposition leaders.
      6. When they vote in the House of Commons members have to
leave their benches and walk out into two corridors (called the lobbies).
As they pass out they are counted by 4 persons — two for each side -
it may take 10—15 minutes before figures are announced.




                              36