HC Deb 27 June 1949 vol 466 c729
18. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Works at whose behest and by what authority he has caused the doorway between the staircase down to the Harcourt Room and the passage to the House of Lords bar to be bricked up; and what the reason is for the alteration.

Mr. Key

The doorway in question has been bricked up as a necessary preliminary to the rebuilding of the Law Lords' Corridor, by my instructions, after consultation with the authorities of both Houses of Parliament. The existing staircase will be demolished and replaced by one on the other side of the Peers Terrace Entrance Corridor. An alternative doorway leading to the House of Lords bar has already been provided.

Mr. Keeling

Is the Minister aware that some kinds of drink available in the Lords bar are not available in our House; and will he give an assurance that the impaired access to the Lords bar is not intended to reduce communion between Members of the two Houses?

Mr. Key

I went down to inspect this myself this morning, and I understand that there is no obstruction whatever.

Mr. John Lewis

In view of the Minister's personal inspection, has he now under consideration the bricking up of the Lords bar altogether?

Mr. Key

That does not fall within my jurisdiction.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be very much better if his Department finished the work on Westminster Hall, which has been going on for three and a half years, before blocking up any more exits and entrances in this House?

Mr. Key

The type of labour used in Westminster Hall is entirely different from that used to block up the doorway into the Lords bar.