HC Deb 14 November 1945 vol 415 cc2117-9
Brigadier Fitzroy Maclean

(by Private Notice)asked Mr. Speaker whether in view of the considerable delay, often amounting to two or three hours, in notifying hon. Members of the presence, in the Lobby of visitors wishing to see them, and in view of the resulting inconvenience and annoyance to those concerned, he will re-organise the present system by which hon. Members are notified of the presence of visitors?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker (Major Milner)

The authorities of the House are fully conscious of the unsatisfactory situation regarding the delivery of greencards and messages, and they regret the inconvenience caused both to hon. Members and visitors. The unprecedented number of visitors has, however, put a severe strain on the staff, which is short-handed owing to the absence of men on Service, but any suggestions from hon. Members for improving the facilities will be welcome. In the meantime, as an experiment, a board showing the names of hon. Members has been placed in the Lobby, on which coloured pins are placed against the names of hon. Members for whom green cards or messages have been received. In order that the experiment may have a chance of success, hon. Members must co-operate by referring to the board from time to time when passing through the Lobby. If this experiment is proved to be a success, it may be further developed.

Mr. Bowles

Is that in substitution of the green card system, or in addition to it?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

It is in addition to it.

Mr. Driberg

In view of what you have just said, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, would there not be a strong case for Class B release of those members of the staff of the House who are still serving in the Forces?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

That is not a matter on which I have a final voice.

Mr. Eden

While expressing gratitude, if I may, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, for your suggestion, about the arrangements in the Members' Lobby, will you bear in mind that there is really no solution to this question, so far as hon. Members are concerned, until the staff is increased, and I feel sure that the Government would wish to assist as much as they can in that direction?

Mr. Scollan

Might I suggest that, while the notice board is a very great improvement on the present system, it might be enlarged so that hon. Members could see without having to crowd round about it?

Mr. H. Morrison

In response to the observations of the right hon. Gentleman opposite, if the authorities of the House are of opinion that they badly need help in the way of additional staff, and if the authorities will make representations to the Government, I will certainly see that they are sympathetically considered.

Mr. Gallacher

Could we not follow the procedure at the railway stations and have someone with a loud speaker?