§ 18. Mr. G. Cooperasked the Minister of Works if he will set up a committee to investigate the possibility of extending the Palace of Westminster to include sufficient offices and other accommodation required by Members to fulfil their duties, by completing the design of the Palace as originally conceived with an office wing on the two open sides of New Palace Yard.
§ Mr. StokesIt would be well, I think, to await the completion of the new Chamber and its ancillary accommodation before taking any steps to provide further working facilities for Members.
§ Mr. CooperDoes my right hon. Friend realise that even when the new 932 buildings are completed they will not provide sufficient, adequate, or reasonable accommodation for Members to do their work efficiently? Would he have this whole matter looked into right away?
§ Mr. StokesI think that my hon. Friend was here when this matter was considered. There was a full Committee of the House, and I have only carried out their instructions and recommendations. I am sure that the best thing to do is to wait and see.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs the Minister aware that some of us feel that there is already too much office and paper work for hon. Members, and that we should view with reluctance any action that might increase our obligations in that respect?