HC Deb 21 June 1881 vol 262 cc985-6
MR. O'SHEA

asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he has been able to carry out his intentions with regard to the increase and improvement of the accommodation provided for the reporters in this House?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

The resignation of Colonel Forester has given me an opportunity of giving the increased accommodation for the reporters which the hon. Member has so much pressed upon me. It is not considered necessary that the successor of Colonel Forester should have an official residence under the roof of this House; and, accordingly, with the approval of the Speaker, I have appropriated the two top stories of the residence lately occupied by Colonel Forester for the increased accommodation of the reporters; and I hope it will give all the accommodation required by them. Additional accommodation has been very much wanted, and is very necessary. The main portion of the residence—the lower story—will be appropriated to additional private rooms for Ministers; and I have also made arrangements that will give better accommodation to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition.

MR. ONSLOW

wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman what compensation he proposed to give to the Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms now that his rooms were taken away? He believed that the rooms given to the late Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms were irrespective of his salary; and it appeared to him that the Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms who had been recently appointed—[Murmurs]—

MR. SPEAKER

, interposing, said, the hon. Member could not go into a matter of that kind.

MR. ONSLOW

said, he would simply ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he intended to give the present Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms any compensation?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

I believe the question of the salary of the Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms is at present under the consideration of the Treasury.

SIR ALEXANDER GORDON

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would take this opportunity of giving the reporters another smoking-room instead of the little room downstairs? That room might be converted into a covered way for Members going to the railway station.

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

I propose to take from the reporters the room to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, but they will have ample accommodation for smoking in another part of the building.