HC Deb 08 May 1967 vol 746 cc1055-6
36. Mr. Sharples

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make arrangements for the Strangers' Gallery of the House of Commons to be open for visitors during morning sittings in the months of June and July, 1967.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Richard Grossman)

I will do so if it becomes necessary. Up to date, the present arrangements have proved adequate, but the Services Committee will review the situation immediately after the Whitsun Recess.

Mr. Sharples

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that reply and for the consideration which I know he has given to this question. Is he aware that on some mornings, Wednesday mornings particularly, up to 60 people are waiting to come in and are sometimes having to wait for more than an hour?

Mr. Grossman

Yes, Sir. I am aware that on some occasions some people cannot enter when they would wish to do do. However, on only one occasion—and that was last Wednesday—since morning sittings started have visitors who have wished to get into the Gallery been unsuccessful. I do not think, therefore, that we could really say that in the mornings there has been greater difficulty than in the afternoons.

Mr. Goodhew

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as a result of morning sittings, the number of occasions on which hon. Members may take parties around the House of Commons has been considerably reduced? In view of the fact that the number of these occasions must now be rationed, would not it be wiser to open up more of the Gallery during morning sittings?

Mr. Grossman

As I have said, we will be considering what should be done afterwards; that is, after we have seen the number of people who want to come in. I can only repeat something which I have said previously; that this House is not a museum. We are working here. If we are working, then I believe that the public must face the fact that we are working.

Mr. Lubbock

Since the right hon. Gentleman has said previously when questioned on this subject that it might be expected that pressure on the Strangers' Gallery would increase during the summer months, and bearing in mind what he said about last Wednesday—when people could not be admitted, even though plenty of seats were available—will he review the matter as a question of urgency?

Mr. Grossman

That is what I said in my main Answer. Immediately after Whitsun we will review the situation with the Serjeant at Arms, having watched what has happened day by day. It is, however, a fact that, despite what hon. Gentlemen opposite may say, on only one occasion since morning sittings started has a person been refused entry to the Strangers' Gallery.