HC Deb 22 June 1925 vol 185 cc1071-2
43. Mr. PENNY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the additional cost in wages, lighting, heating and ventilation of a sitting of this House that lasts up to 5 a.m., over and above the cost of an ordinary sitting?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The additional cost, so far as my department is concerned, is approximately £5 per hour for lighting, heating and ventilation, which means that for a sitting lasting until 5 o'clock the following morning the additional cost would be £30.

Mr. PENNY

In view of the desire for economy, and in fairness to hon. Members opposite, seeing that they cannot get to their homes between half-past twelve and six, will the Government investigate whether it is cheaper to take them home by char-a-banc or provide sleeping accommodation, so as to relieve other Members from attending all night sittings which are unnecessary?

Mr. SPEAKER

This seems like a speech.

Mr. MAXTON

Do I understand that no extra cost is incurred in wages, and, if not, will the hon. Gentleman seriously consider making additional payment to the employés who are detained on these occasions?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Wages are not paid by the Office of Works, but by the Serjeant-at-Arms.

Mr. MACLEAN

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of the House meeting at eleven o'clock in the morning?

Mr. PENNY

Can the hon. Gentleman give me an idea what the wages cost, in addition to the £30 he mentioned?

Mr. LIVINGSTONE

Is not the policy suggested by the hon. Member a penny wise one?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The wages do not come on the Vote for the Office of Works, but on that of the Serjeant-at-Arms.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Will the hon. Gentleman consider how much might be saved by having no Opposition at all?

50. Sir G. STRICKLAND

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to consider a revision of the rules as to transport allowances for Members of the House with a view to diminish the incentives for all-night sittings?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

I am not clear in what way revision of Members' travelling allowances will achieve the object which my hon. Friend has in view.

Sir G. STRICKLAND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the restriction of travelling allowances induces many Members to remain here from the end of "omnibus time" to the end of "no omnibus time"?

Major CRAWFURD

How will any increase in transport facilities help when there is no transport?

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