Question about British Parlimentary Proceedings

[lawnguy]

I've been watching the British Parliment on C-SPAN, and have a few questions:

What is that notebook that Tony Blair is reading when he jumps up to answer a question during the question/answer proceedings?

Does the Prime Minister have a list of the questions to be asked, so he can be prepared to answer?

Why does the PM jump up so quickly. Is this supposed to be a body language thing that shows confidence?

Can someone recommend a good book that details the proceedings of that system, and do all the Parlimentary systems include that type of question and answer process?

Thanks for your help.

[franksolich]

I used to see the British Parliament on C-SPAN all the time, when Thatcher and Major were the prime ministers; I do not recall them using a notebook.

This might be just a personal preference of the prime minister, just as some people give speeches using notes, while others are more comfortable with no notes at all.

As for the bobbing up-and-down, one gets the impression this is a natural characteristic of the British Parliament, which has always been spirited and vigorous in debate, or, as you probably saw, "question time."

It is quite different from the "decorum" of our U.S. Senate, but I wish the tradition had evolved otherwise (i.e., that our lawmakers were more open and honest and yelling-and-screaming and sneering and laughing).

[franksolich]

Thank you, sir.

I always enjoy the exchanges with you and MadIvan, whenever some anti-British American Free Republicans get on your case; you two guys can hold off a horde of stampeding bison, just by your two selves.

[texasflower]

Fascinating. Thank you for posting that.

[lawnguy]

Your answer was very interesting. What exactly is the House of Lords and what is their function?

Do you consider Britain pretty much a permanent nanny state, or do you forsee a chance for a conservative revolution in the future?

There must be a heavy tax burden on the public, why do they tolerate it?

Do you have a progressive tax system that takes from the wealthier? How does the middle class fare?

Was Margaret Thatcher as good as her reputation?

Do you remember when you guys kicked butt in the Falkland Islands? That's when I fell for Lady Thatcher.

Thanks again for the info. This is what the internet does best.