The way that it was

How Times have changed.The media has not held back form its criticism of the speaker over the last few days.Over at Three Line Whip,Philip Johnson reminds us of a time when things were different.

In December 1956, the Sunday Express ran an article criticising MPs over the allocation of petrol allowances at a time of rationing brought on by the Suez crisis. Written by John Junor, the editor, it read: "Tomorrow a time of hardship starts for everyone. For everyone? Include the politicians out of that…"
The MPs were furious. They accused Junor of contempt of parliament and constituted the fearsome Committee of Privileges to consider the case.
Junor was summoned to appear at the bar of the House where he was reprimanded by the Speaker. With a good deal of dignity, he apologised "for any imputation or reflections which I may have cast upon the honour and integrity of the Members of this House

One of todays candidates for being hauled in front of the Commons would surely be Quentin Letts in the Mail who has never tried to hide his distate for "Gorbals Mick"

Writing today he describes events in the Commons

"Point of Order, Mr Winnick," croaked Gorbals Mick, apparently unaware of the imminent whack.
He was only half concentrating, being busy chatting to a Labour backbencher at the time. One of many.
Mr Winnick, a frail figure who often stands at a slight angle, did not quite say: "You're a useless fool and should quit pronto." That would not be the Westminster way.