HC Deb 17 November 1947 vol 444 cc810-1
68. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Works what is his present policy towards the building of the new House of Commons.

Mr. Key

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Bartlett) on 3rd November.

Mr. Williams

As I have not seen that reply, does the answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman intends to carry on with the building of the new House of Commons?

Mr. Key

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Williams

In view of the position of miners and agricultural labourers, does the right hon. Gentleman think that this expenditure at the present time, when so, many people are short of houses, is warranted?

Mr. Key

I do not see what agricultural labourers have to do with the reconstruction of the House of Commons.

Mr. Williams

They want houses.

Mr. Key

I would point out that apart altogether from the accommodation of this Chamber, there are very grave difficulties so far as the accommodation of individual Members are concerned—secretarial facilities and things of that sort—which the construction of the new House of Commons will help us to solve.