22. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Works whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the carpets in the corridors outside the Strangers' Dining Room and elsewhere in the House of Commons; and whether it is intended to renew these during the Summer Recess.
§ Mr. H. NichollsThe Dining Room Corridor carpet has recently been cleaned and repaired and we hope it will last a little longer. It is not intended to renew this carpet this year, but new carpets will be provided for the Members' Tea Room and the Members' Terrace Stairs this year.
Mr. Gresham CookeWill my hon. Friend note that in spite of the cleaning of the carpet, it is still very dirty outside the Dining Room? Will he take note also that this House does not want to fall into shabby gentility, particularly when one has had the advantage, as I have had recently, of seeing some of the new Parliaments, such as the Bundestag in West Germany, which has an altogether higher standard of cleanliness?
§ Mr. NichollsThat particular carpet gives the appearance of being well-worn because it is, in fact, well worn. From the kitchens to the Dining Room is a main thoroughfare and the carpet has to withstand the usual casualties when food is being carried. Those are the reasons for my hon. Friend's impression of the carpet.
§ Sir F. MedlicottWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that lately there has been a good deal of extra wear and tear also on the carpet in the room of the Government Chief Whip?