Present-day MPs

IT WAS good to read of the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, helping out the new members from the North with the customs and manners expected at Westminster, although the 
standard of speech-making there is often such that one could grasp the point and still have scope to read The ­Scotsman at the same time.

While in disciplinary mode, perhaps Mr Bercow could turn his attention to the number of absentees. Despite Members of Parliament being due an 11 per cent pay rise, empty benches are seen all too frequently.

In other institutions such behaviour would merit letters to the parents, followed by hefty fines.

Colin Evans

Netherby Road
Edinburgh