HC Deb 24 June 1935 vol 303 c797
31. Mr. WEST

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether anything can be done to improve the amenities of the Members' private room and the smoke room on the Terrace?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

If the hon. Member will put forward his suggestions as to the improvements considered desirable by Members through the proper authority, namely, the Sergeant-at-Arms, I shall be willing to consider them.

Mr. WEST

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that hon. Members regard the rooms in question as special distressed areas, and cannot he do something to make them less depressing and more comfortable?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I do not think they are more depressing than any of the others. I do not know what particular grievance the hon. Member has. The rooms are all very similarly furnished.

Mr. THORNE

When the right hon. Gentleman has a few minutes to spare, will he come down with me and see the rooms?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I have been down there occasionally to spy out the land, and I have thought that the hon. Member and his friends had claimed a very favourable niche.

Mr. THORNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman come down and take a cup of tea with me there some time?

Captain PETER MACDONALD

Is not the most depressing room in the House the one monopolised by the Socialist party, because no other party is allowed in it?

Mr. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are only about six Members occupying the room in question?