Mr PETER MORRIS —My question goes to accommodation in the chamber and the unused spaces within this chamber—

Mr Tuckey —On your side.

Mr SPEAKER —Order!

Mr PETER MORRIS —And the comparison between the accommodation in this chamber and the chamber in the Old Parliament House. In the old House, there were rows of seats on the floor behind members' seating for special guests of the Speaker and for members' guests. Those people who were fortunate enough to be able to sit in that gallery on the floor of the chamber had an experience that gave them a much better feel of the ambience and atmosphere of the parliament. I would like to ask you, Mr Speaker, if you would consider making similar arrangements—possibly with two rows seating here and two rows of seating over there.

Government members —You have it now.

Mr PETER MORRIS —That is for diplomatic guests, special guests and people from the other place. But, seriously, to have a special Speaker's gallery—which could be the title of it—for the guests of members would do a great deal to bring a better atmosphere to this chamber by having people in the chamber, rather than having these vast open spaces in this cathedral type place. I would be grateful if you could take that into consideration and see what could be done to bring more people into the chamber.

Mr SPEAKER —I thank the honourable member for Shortland. As many members who served in the old place would remember, the honourable member for Shortland's comments are accurate. Members would also be aware that I have recently made some changes to floor seating. We do now allow distinguished guests from overseas, members of the diplomatic corps and other special guests access to the floor. I will take the honourable member's question on notice and report back to the House at another time.