§ 4. Mrs. Castleasked the Minister of Works for what purposes it is intended to use the additional accommodation now being prepared at 6 and 7 Old Palace Yard.
§ Lord John HopeWith my agreement, the Serjeant at Arms proposes to allocate this accommodation as follows:
§ First Floor
- Two Rooms for Members' desks.
- Members' Sitting Room.
- Interview Room.
§ Ground Floor
- Three rooms for Members' Private Secretaries.
- Conference Room.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the Minister aware that hen. Members very strongly resent being pushed across the road even though it may be only an interim measure in the process of the provision of the services which they ought to have near the Chamber? Is he aware that the Stokes Committee pointed out that there is a disproportionate amount of space at the disposal of other users of the Palace, and will he consider some of the recommendations of the Stokes Committee for putting the Fees Office, the Lord Chancellor's Department or somebody else across the road?
§ Lord John HopeIn the context of the Question, it does not arise that anyone will be pushed over the road. One hopes that some people may want to go over to this accommodation. As the hon. Lady knows, it is by no means the complete answer, and she knows I realise that. Nor will it—I am able to say this—prejudice whatever we may be able to do in more desirable directions. I do not want to go further than that.
§ Mrs. CastleWill the right hon. Gentleman consult hon. Members on this side of the House about the use of the extra accommodation, even though it is only an interim measure, because interim measures tend to drag out into eternity if we are not careful? Should not this be a matter of party agreement?
§ Lord John HopeI hope it will be, but this interim measure—it is not a question of eternity—will be ready in February. and it will not prejudice whatever we may be able to agree upon as a better idea.