PETER Luff has been getting himself noticed in the Chamber of the House of Commons.

Ministers and the Deputy Speaker have taken to remarking on his mannerisms, shape and taste in melody.

Transport Minister Kim Howells focussed on the physical.

Speaking in the Commons, Peter had hinted at a change of career.

He said: "I have decided that, should the charms of this place ever be subdued in my breast, I will find another way to serve my constituents - to stand on the platforms at Droitwich Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill or Worcester Foregate Street stations and advise them what the trains are actually doing.

"I remind the Minister of scenes of chaos at Worcester Shrub Hill when trains were transformed while standing at platforms or eventually, of course, cancelled.

"When the Minister is talking to train operating companies, will he ask them to review all their procedures in relation to information?

"When he is talking to the Strategic Rail Authority, will he ask them to give a high priority to information systems within the funding available to them?

Dr Howells replied: "I can certainly do that - but the honourable Gentleman will have to put on a bit more weight if he is going to become the Fat Controller of Worcestershire. I have no doubt he could do the job if he was asked."

Afterwards, Peter said: "I think I'm flattered."

Next came Alun Michael - the man charged with sorting out the long-running hunting fiasco.

During environment questions, Peter had said: "The Minister often professes a great attachment to scientific objectivity and curiosity in matters that relate to hunting with dogs, although his body language and rhetoric sometimes suggest something rather different."

Mr Michael replied: " As for body language, the hon. Gentleman is sometimes referred to as enthusiastic and perhaps as over-excited..."

But Friday provided the most audible example of Peter grabbing the attention. Deputy speaker Michael Lord gave him a ticking-off for forgetting to switch his mobile phone to silent.

The phone burst into life in the middle of Peter's speech on the Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill.

Sir Michael said: "We really can't have Honourable Members making their speeches to music in the chamber."

Mr Luff responded: "At least it makes a change from the more mundane ring tone we hear on our cinema screens, when we are warned of the same peril there. I apologise. It won't happen again. It's quite a good tune though."

The tune in question was "Big Band", which comes as standard on Sony phones.

Parliament is now in recess. James Slack returns on June 12.