If Σ = (X,σ) is a topological dynamical system, where X is a compact Hausdorff space and σ is a homeomorphism of X, then a crossed product Banach *-algebra ℓ¹(Σ) is naturally associated with these data. If X consists of one point, then ℓ¹(Σ) is the group algebra of the integers. The commutant C(X)₁' of C(X) in ℓ¹(Σ) is known to be a maximal abelian subalgebra which has non-zero intersection with each non-zero closed ideal, and the same holds for the commutant C(X)'⁎ of C(X) in C*(Σ), the enveloping...