I have a brief statement to make to the House about the method of raising points of order during Divisions. On Wednesday, the House resolved to agree with the report of the Sessional Committee on Procedure of 3 February 1977 on this question. A second hat will now be available to hon. Members and it will be kept by the Doorkeeper behind the Chair on the side nearer to the Aye Lobby. I also draw the attention of the House to the fact that only hats, and not substitutes such as Order Papers, will be acceptable in future for the purpose of raising points of order during Divisions. The same rule will apply to lady hon. Members as to male hon. Members. I am the servant of the House and am merely interpreting what the House decided.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House of Commons for the swift action that you have taken to implement its wishes. I am entirely detached in these matters; the only hat that I am interested in is a red one.