Bruce George MP was startled to hear an animated talk from the next cubicle to the one he was using in the Commons Members? toilet.

He recognised the voice of Stephen Pound MP. He was doing an interview over his mobile phone to BBC Northern Ireland. Bruce hesitated to flush the toilet in case he drowned Stephen?s wise words.

Later Stephen explained that he was indulging in one of New Labour?s efficiency ploys of ?multi-tasking.?