The Usher of the Black Rod bears a ceremonial black ebony staff, from which the title " black rod " arises.
32.
On Black Rod's approach, the doors are slammed shut against him, symbolising the rights of parliament and its independence from the monarch.
33.
Another officer is the Usher of the Black Rod, whose duties include the maintenance of order and security within the Senate chamber.
34.
The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod ( a Lords official ) is responsible for summoning the Commons to the Lords Chamber.
35.
Black Rod also holds the office of Serjeant-at-Arms of the House of Lords, and in this capacity attends upon the Lord Speaker.
36.
As they approached Black Rod's box in the corner of the room, they felt heat from the floor coming through their boots.
37.
Black Rod then bangs with the end of his ceremonial staff three times on the closed doors which are then opened to him.
38.
On that occasion the customary Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod bore a white one, instead of black, for the Lord High Steward.
39.
He asked whether Heath realised that the words Black Rod used went back to the 1307 Parliament of Carlisle and were ancient even then.
40.
Private Secretary Clare Sumner contacted the Black Rod, Gen . Sir Michael Willcocks, who is responsible for organizing ceremonial events, to establish Blair's role.
