HC Deb 14 March 1945 vol 409 cc215-6
25. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Works, who are the Opposition Whips to whom Rooms Nos. 21 and 21B in the Palace of Westminster have been allotted.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hicks)

Room No. 21 is allotted to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty. Room No. 21B is vacant.

Sir H. Williams

May I ask the hon. Member why the First Lord of the Admiralty has a room which is labelled "Opposition Whips" unless it is in anticipation of the day when he will represent the Co-operative party in this House?

Mr. Hicks

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. It is not labelled "Opposition Whips." Rooms 21A and 21B are those which are labelled "Opposition Whips," but not room 21.

26. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Works why a room in the Palace of Westminster has been allotted to the Leader of the Opposition, having regard to the fact that this Statutory Office is unfilled at the present time.

Mr. Hicks

As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on the 28th November, 1944, this room is now occupied by my right hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield (Mr. A. Greenwood). The label on the door has been left there in error and will be removed.

Sir H. Williams

Is my hon. Friend aware that I was hoping that Mr. Speaker would authorise the payment of £2,000 a year to the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Hicks

I will communicate that to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Will my hon. Friend consider allotting a room to the hon. Member for South Croydon (Sir H. Williams), installing him there and locking the door?