Harry Jenkins (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to make some general remarks, for the information of members, to ensure that arrangements for the chamber galleries for the budget tonight and the budget reply on Thursday run smoothly. I ask members to ensure that their guests arrive at the galleries in a timely way for the addresses. This is particularly important tonight, when there are a large number of guests to accommodate. Guests should arrive at the galleries about 30 minutes prior to the budget speech to ensure that they can undertake the security clearance and be seated in the galleries in a timely way.

I understand that there may be some that are moved to applause at the conclusion of the speeches, even though this strictly speaking is contrary to the standing orders. As with any other proceedings of the House, there is the principle that any member with the call is entitled to speak without interruption. The chair will take the necessary action to ensure that this is the case for both addresses. Security staff will be directed to remove from the galleries any individuals who persist in intervening in proceedings, just as they would during normal proceedings. I trust that there will be cooperation from members and from their guests in the galleries and that budget night and budget reply night will proceed smoothly.