HC Deb 29 June 1936 vol 314 cc27-8
55. Captain McEWEN

asked the Minister of Pensions, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has considered the possibility of providing more adequate accommodation for members of the Diplomatic Corps who wish to listen to Debates in this House; and whether he can make a statement on the subject?

Mr. R. S. HUDSON

(for the First Commissioner of Works): Yes, Sir. I understand that with the consent of all parties in the House Mr. Speaker has agreed that additional accommodation shall be provided for members of the Diplomatic Corps, and that the present Special Gallery shall be placed at their disposal provided it is occupied by 4 p.m. Other accommodation will be found for those who would have been accommodated in the present Special Gallery.

Sir P. HARRIS

Is not the arrangement that if the Special Gallery is not required before four o'clock, it will then be available for Members' friends?

Mr. HUDSON

The exact, form in which this alteration can most conveniently be made is under discussion and consideration at the present moment, but with Mr. Speaker's permission I would like to defer answering that question until I have had an opportunity of consulting my Noble Friend.

Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

Can the Minister give an assurance that the very small accommodation now available for visitors to the House will not be reduced by this arrangement?

Mr. HUDSON

No, Sir. The hope is that we shall be able to increase the accommodation available for visitors to the House, but it is under discussion and if the House will forgive me I would sooner not make a statement until I have seen my Noble Friend.

Mr. PALING

While the matter is under discussion, is it not time somebody discussed the advisability getting more adequate accommodation for Members?

Mr. BARNES

Is it fair, when there is a great Debate in the House and Members have one ticket each, that 22 seats should be reserved for the Press, in addition to their ordinary accommodation, thus depriving Members' friends of the right of getting into the House?

Mr. HUDSON

I did say we are trying to see whether, by altering the accommodation, we can obtain more room for Members' friends, and if we are successful that, of course, would solve the difficulty to which my hon. Friend refers.