About forty years ago I bumped into a friend at Westminster tube station.
He was in a hurry and urged me to follow on. We went through an underpass and got to an entrance to the Palace of Westminster. At this point I should reveal that he was an hereditary earl. He flashed his parliamentary ID to the policeman posted to prevent unauthorised entry and the words “he’s with me” allowed me in too. Those were the days. We dashed through a labyrinth as he, breathlessly, told me he must sign in before the House rose to get his attendance allowance. That accomplished he said “now lets have a ding-a-ling”. Doubtfully, I wondered if he meant a tinkle and seeing I was mystified explained – “ a large Bell’s in the bar”.
Halcyon days; membership of an exclusive club with no subscription. The club is still going, as you know, but the attendance allowance is now only coughed up when a Peer contributes to a debate. Some Peers rely on a bit on the side to supplement a slender income (others have a bit on the side too) so are opening their mouths. It doesn’t matter what comes out it seems. This week one member of the Upper House recalled he once ate a twenty year-old biscuit; ching-ching, £162 in the old sock.
Today’s post celebrates International Whiskey Day.