By Nick Assinder BBC News Online political correspondent

There is a cartoon in the press bar in the House of Commons which dates back to Harold Wilson's time in Downing Street.

It depicts the prime minister's press secretary of the time, Jo Haines, slamming the door of Downing Street in the faces of lobby journalists.

The comment from Mr Haines reads: "This action is being taken in the interests of more open government." Ring any bells?

That is precisely the line being taken by Mr Haines' successors in Downing Street.

Charles Kennedy held a Liberal Democrat election briefing for political journalists and was dying to ask them one question.

When the cameras had been turned off he leaned forward and said: "Can I ask you something. Why do you think people are so apathetic?"

One of the handful of hacks who had bothered to turn up was heard to mutter: "Who cares?"

Euro MP Glenys Kinnock has always enjoyed a good laugh and she delighted a recent do for high-achieving women with an anecdote about her frequent flying days.

Nice to know someone in Downing Street has a sense of humour.

Tony Blair's high powered group to combat the menace of street crime has been titled the Street Crime Action Group or Scag for short.

And what else is Scag slang for - heroin of course.

Politicos, the splendid political bookshop near the Commons, is planning to start its own magazine devoted to all things, er, political.

The first issue is due out later this summer and is expected to include contributions from the likes of MP Chris Mullin, Carol Thatcher and the like.

Much hilarity was caused the other day by the House of Commons annunciator - the TV set that displays the subject of the current Commons debate and the name of the person speaking.

It declared to the world: "Endangered species - Michael Meacher."

Once the laughter and, "told you sos" had died down it was pointed out that the Oldham MP had actually proved to be a great survivor under New Labour.

The man once called Tony Benn's representative on earth was never one of former leader Neil Kinnock's favourites but, thanks to Old Labour rules, kept getting elected to the shadow cabinet.

Indeed, Mr Kinnock used to boast that the minute he was elected to No 10 and could then choose his own frontbench team, Mr Meacher would be the first one out on his ear.

Surprising then, that he has continued to flourish under Tony Blair.

He may not be the firebrand leftie he was once painted, but few think he has much love for New Labour.

Could it be he has remained in his job as environment minister because he is actually rather good at it?

We know Tony Blair operates in a rarefied atmosphere nowadays.

The following is a verbatim extract from Hansard, the official report of Parliamentary debates in the Commons.

It relates to an exchange during questions to Leader of the House Robin Cook.

Mr Cook: "I can certainly say to my honourable friend that the government will make a full analysis of the pilot scheme. After all....."

Mr Eric Forth (Tory, shadow Leader of the House): "Look, it's a doughnut!"

Mr Cook: "I am very happy to be a free-standing speaker at the despatch box, without the requirement for a doughnut."

Dr Julian Lewis (Tory, New Forest East): "It's not for you. It's a Welsh doughnut for the next debate."

Explanatory note: A doughnut is where MPs sit around a speaker to make the Commons chamber look full on TV. What did you think it was?

If you have any political gossip or information on what our MPs are up to, e-mail Nick Assinder (all mails will be treated as confidential).