§ MR. CARVELL WILLIAMS (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether, in arranging for the future use of the rooms lately vacated by Sir Reginald Palgrave, he will consider the possibility of affording accommodation for conferences of Members with their constituents and others additional to that provided in the present conference rooms.
§ * THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS, Kent, St. Augustine's)A certain number of the rooms in Sir Reginald Palgrave's late residence have already been appropriated; they would not. in my opinion, have been suitable for conference rooms. The further questions connected with the allocation of the space vacated in the recent changes are now under consideration, and every attention will be paid to the proposal made by the hon. Member, as well as to the suggestions put forward from other quarters.
§ MR. COGHILLWill some of the rooms be assigned for the use of the press?
§ * MR. AKERS DOUGLASNot yet. They could not be handed over during the session, as structural alterations would be involved. These are among the matters which I have alluded to as being under consideration.
§ MR. COGHILLConsidering how short we are of accommodation here, could not the press find accommodation of their own on the other side of the road?
§ * MR. AKERS DOUGLASIf the hon. Member knew how many stairs members have to go up to reach these rooms he would not think them suitable.