HC Deb 16 May 1950 vol 475 c1018
The Minister of Works (Mr. Stokes)

I will, with your permission, Mr. Speaker, and the leave of the House, make a short statement on visits by Members of Parliament to the new Chamber.

I have been asked by a number of Members of this House to give permission for visits to be made to see the work in progress in the new Chamber. I must ask hon. Members to realise that we are working to a close time-table and that the architects and contractors will be hard put to it to complete the reconstruction in time for the opening of the Chamber this year. It is imperative that there should be no interruption of the work which is going on continuously. I am arranging for hon. Members of both Houses to be able to visit the new Chamber between the hours of noon and 1 p.m. each Thursday during the Session when the minimum number of men will be at work. I regret that I cannot extend this privilege to any guests of hon. Members. It is particularly requested that hon. Members will confine their visit to the Chamber itself, and not wander into the rest of the building.

Mr. Churchill

Is not the word "wander" somewhat derogatory to the right hon. Gentleman's fellow Members, and would it not be better to say "will not carry their inspection into"?

Mr. Stokes

I stand corrected, but it clearly expresses what I mean.

Mr. James Hudson

Will my right hon. Friend say by what route he will expect us to enter?

Mr. Stokes

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for asking that question. Entry will be through the doorway behind Mr. Speaker's Chair in the new Chamber. That is the way in and the way out

Mr. Awbery

Can the Minister inform us of the date on which the new Chamber will be officially opened?

Mr. Stokes

No, Sir. That is not my affair.