Parliament Budapest

The Parliament in Budapest was bi-cameral, based on Westminster. In 1944 however the upper house was abolished. It was composed of aristocrats and bishops.

Outside the chamber was this cigar rank, every space numbered.

A Lord could arrive, place his cigar carefully lit, note the number, and pop into the chamber. If the business didn't interest him, out he came,inked up his cigar, and headed off.

But there was a saying that a good speech n the House was a "good, fat Havana" - because the same would have burned away....