Photo: Colin MacArthur
Howridiculous asked me if I would give examples of humorous contributions made by peers in debate. The House takes issues seriously, but it appreciates the occasional flash of humour. Several instances come to mind.
There was an occasion when Lord Whitty was a minister, answering a question on the effect of the use of mobile ‘phones on aircraft. There were several supplementaries from peers who clearly understood the subject. The minister dealt with the issue seriously. However, as we were clearly coming to the end of the time available, one peer got to his feet and said: ‘Never mind about on aircraft, what about their use on terra firma?’
It was clear that Lord Whitty had not quite heard the question. He turned to a fellow minister to find out what had been said. By the time he got up, a little time had elapsed. He felt he needed to justify the delay. ‘I’m sorry, My Lords’, he said, ‘I thought terra firma might be some obscure airline.’
Very good, Lord Norton, thank you. It is good to see Lord Whitty lives up to his name.
Howridiculous.
I was once required to attend the opening of new facility in a deprived part of the North. A government minister was supposed to come but, as is so often the case, was at the last moment unable to make it. A lord was sent instead. I was quite young at the time and over coffee somehow ended up chatting to him. He had come up by train from London. At one station a large party of patients from a mental institution boarded the train along with their carers. At the next station the carers herded them off along with the lord. “You can’t take me,” he shouted, “I’m from the House of Lords.”
Perhaps you all tell this joke. You are the only people who can. But I was grateful to my new acquaintance for breaking the ice in this way. He probably realised I was a little ill at ease having to make conversation with an aristocrat.
Dr Grumble: I like to think that your experience would not be untypical. Members of the Lords tend to be very good at meeting people, putting them at ease, and generally chatting. Many have a good sense of humour. Some don´t (!), but overall members are, in my experience, very good company.