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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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front bench
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The front row of seats on either side of the House of *Commons, occupied by senior members of the two main parties. Government ministers sit on the left-hand side looking towards the Speaker (their bench is sometimes referred to as the Treasury bench), while the shadow cabinet of the *Opposition sit facing them. Occupants of the front benches stand at the *dispatch box to speak. On the floor in front of each bench there is a line which members must not cross when debating. There is traditionally said to be a distance of two sword-lengths between the two lines; this conjures up an exciting image of more volatile days, but is a variable measurement for which there seems no known authentic origin.
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