The fight at first PMQs
Today is the 50th anniversary of prime minster's questions.
On 24 October 1961 Harold Macmillan took part in the first PMQs, after an experimental session in July of that year.
Sir Harry Hylton-Foster, the Speaker, told MPs that "the prime minister was willing to try the experiment of answering his questions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3.15pm".
"I am told that this arrangement has worked for the general convenience of the House and that in these circumstances the prime minister is willing that it should be continued," he added.
There was an instant objection - Motherwell MP George Lawson and Kilmarnock MP Willie Ross felt PMQs should be suspended because Scottish questions was being " robbed of a very valuable quarter of an hour".
(From 1963 to 1997 the PM answered questions for 15 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
With the objections of Scots MPs noted, prime minister Macmillan answered questions on shipbuilding, Katanga, the Queen's visit to Ghana, Berlin, the Common Market, Commonwealth migration and overseas transport subsidies.
Manny Shinwell asked the first question.
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