DRESS OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

That, with the announcement by Mr Speaker of his intention to retire from his office at the time of the General Election, this House takes the opportunity presented by the election of a new Speaker to bring the dress of the Speaker in the Chair into line with the modern practices and procedures now adopted by the House, particularly bearing in mind the fact that the House is now televised on a permanent basis, that consideration is being given to the possibility of the House electing its first woman Speaker and that the present dress while historic and decorative does not add in any way to the authority of the Chair.