HC Deb 24 March 1959 vol 602 cc1098-9
6. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Works the estimated cost of manning the lift serving the basement, the ground floor, the Library floor, the Committee floor and the upper Committee floor from 7 p.m. until the House rises.

Mr. H. Nicholls

This would involve increasing the complement of attendants by one at an estimated cost of some £500 per annum.

Mr. Hayman

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary consider this a pettifogging meanness in economy when considering the facilities of the Mother of Parliaments?

Mr. Nicholls

No. I understand the very real interest which the hon. Gentleman has taken in this matter, and I can assure him that my right hon. Friend is trying hard to give the facilities that the hon. Gentleman desires without incurring unnecessary expense. We shall continue to try to solve this problem, and I am sure that we shall arrive at a solution satisfactory to all.

7. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Works the cost of manning the lift in the House of Peers after 7 p.m.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The cost so far this year has been £5 14s. 8d., representing overtime payments to the lift attendant on the occasion of late sittings.

Mr. Hayman

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether this expenditure has been wholly incurred on late sittings or whether it is due to cocktail parties and dinner parties in the House of Lords after the House has risen? Why is it that they can have this service on the lift after 7 o'clock but this House cannot?

Mr. Nicholls

The hon. Gentleman is not very worthy in this matter. It is due to late sittings on 15 occasions, and the length of late sittings varied from five minutes to four and a half hours.