In this passage from "44 Scotland Street" by Alexander McCall Smith, a character meticulously organizes prizes for an event, assigning numbers to each item. Among the prizes is an elegant set of fish knives and forks, which she recognizes would be appreciated at a Conservative gathering but misfit at a Labour event, indicating a divide in social customs. The character reflects on how different political parties have distinct attitudes towards dining etiquette.

She perceives Labour members as unaware of the significance of specialized cutlery, using generic utensils for all meals, while recognizing that the Liberal Democrats are aware but deliberately downplay their knowledge. This observation leads her to label the Liberals as hypocritical, showcasing her frustration with the pretenses and social distinctions that characterize political affiliations.