Page 199 - DPOL202_COMPARATIVE_POLITICS_AND_GOVERNMENT_ENGLISH

Comparative Politics and Government

Notes The functions and powers of the Speaker may be discussed under three heads - as presiding officer of
the House, as executive officer of the House and, finally, as the defender of the dignity of the House.
In the first place, the Speaker is the chairman of the House and by virtue of this capacity he acts as its
presiding officer. He acts as the chairman (unless the House meets as Committee of the Whole House)
when the House meets, calls the meetings in order, recognizes the members who want to speak, asks
a member to withdraw words or apologise in the event of making an unparliamentary expression,
names a member if his behaviour-is repeatedly offensive to the dignity of the House, maintains
discipline in the House and even asks his Sergeant-at-arms to push out a member if he refuses to
leave the chamber. He conducts the business of the House and gives his ruling on the points of order
raised by some members. He was casting vote to break a tie. The Parliament Act of 1911 has given to
him the exclusive power of deciding whether a bill, in question, is a money bill or not.
Then, the Speaker has some executive powers. He issues writs and warrants. He appoints the chairmen
of various committees. His staff includes clerk, Librarian and Sergeant-at-arms who are always at his
call. If a person is found to have contempted the dignity of the House, he is arrested and brought
before the House as per orders signed by the Speaker. It is upto the House to free the detained person
after verbal admonition, or give a sentence of imprisonment. Such a decision of the House is
implemented by the Speaker. Occasionally, he presides over constitutional conferences. It is his
business to maintain discipline in the galleries and the lobbies and any violation of the rules by a
person is subject to the judicial authority of the Speaker.
Finally, the Speaker is the defender of the dignity of the House. He acts as the spokesman of the
House before the House of Lords and the monarch. If there is any encroachment on the powers of the
House, the Speaker defends the House. For instance, when a minister refuses to answer a question
despite persistent demands of the opposition, the Speaker rules whether the minister must give an
answer or not, or whether he should be allowed to protect himself behind the cover of public interest.
He also protects the interests of the minority sections and other back-benchers. It is his discretion to
rule whether a question or a resolution is admissible or not. The debates of the House are published
under his authority and he may order any portion of the minutes to be expunged if there is anything
violative of the parliamentary behaviour and decorum.
In fine, the office of the British Speaker is the most dignified for the simple reason that he is taken to
be infalliable like the Pope. His non-political character is the best asset to command respect and
discipline from all sides. Even the rustle of his official robe, once Disraeli said, is enough to check an
incipient riot. His office is the peculiar example in the world to be synonymous with political neutrality.
The reason of his greatness lies in the fact that soon after his election to the august office, he rises
above party strife and rigorously cuts off his party affiliations. He gives no chance of suspicion and
even when he has to exercise his casting vote, he behaves in a way as to maintain the status quo. It is
commented: “Outside, no less than inside, of the House of Commons, the Speaker abstains from
every form and suggestion of partisanship.
He never publicly discusses or voices an opinion on party issues; he never attends a party meeting;
he has no connection with party newspapers; he never sets foot in a political club; he never mingles
with his fellow members socially in the (Westminster Palace’s) tea rooms: he does not even make a
campaign for his own election.”
The Opposition

While keeping in view the case of English representative democracy, Macaulay once remarked that
the Government and the Opposition constitute the ‘fore and the hind legs of a democratic stag’. Truly
so, the cabinet government in England finds opposition as ‘an integral part of the working constitution’
what is called ‘H.M.’s Loyal Opposition.’ What was regarded as ‘immoral’, ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘factious’
by the favourite politicians of King George III, has now become an essential part of the parliamentary
government having five cardinal characteristics. First, it is ‘organised’ as it presents a united challenge
to the government on all issues it chooses to contest. Second, it is ‘permanent’ as it does not band and
disband according to the waves of political ups and downs. Third, it is ‘representative’ as it consists
of dedicated political leaders originally connected with the people of the country. Fourth, it is

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