HC Deb 17 March 1959 vol 602 cc179-80
6. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Works whether he will arrange for the lift serving the Basement, the Ground Floor, the Library Floor, the Committee Floor and the Upper Committee Floor to be manned by an attendant on sitting days from 9 a.m. until the House rises.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Harmar Nicholls)

This lift is at present manned from 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. on sitting days.

My right hon. Friend is not convinced that the further cost which would be involved by increasing the hours that this lift is manned, would be justified. The hours were extended in April, 1958, in an endeavour to meet the representations of the hon. Member.

Mr. Hayman

Will the Parliamentary Secretary tell his right hon. Friend that he has grossly insulted 67 hon. Members who have desks on the Upper Committee Corridor and that it is a gross and intolerable strain upon us to have to walk up the steep stairs in this House when the lift is out of action; and, further, would the hon. Gentleman remind his right hon. Friend that he is acting like an old Primrose League lady who is frightened of becoming bankrupt?

Mr. Nicholls

I am sorry the hon. Gentleman has used these extreme terms. I can assure him that my right hon. Friend is giving close attention to this matter because he wants to mitigate any difficulties in which hon. Members may be placed.