§ Mr. SpeakerI have a statement to make to the House.
In accordance with what I understand to be the general wish of the House pursuant to a suggestion made during the debate on accommodation on 31st March, I propose to appoint an ad hoc 679 Committee with the following terms of reference:
To consider the proposals to improve the accommodation for Members in the House of Commons set forth in the Minister of Works' statement [OFFICIAL REPORT, 31st March, 1960, col. 1522] and, in particular, the proposal to convert the roof space over the Committee Rooms into office accommodation, and to make recommendations.The following hon. Members have agreed to serve on the Committee:The hon. Member for South Angus (Sir J. Duncan) as Chairman.
The hon. Member for East Grinstead (Mrs. Emmet), the hon. Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Tiley), the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. G. Wilson), the hon. Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Robert Cooke), the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mrs. Castle), the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. C. Pannell), and the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Blackburn).
I have also invited to serve the hon. and learned Member for Cardigan (Mr. Bowen). I do not think that I have yet given him an opportunity to reply.
§ Mrs. CastleWhile thanking you, Mr. Speaker, very much for that announcement you will, of course, be aware that we on this side of the House are disappointed that the terms of reference of the Committee do not go as far as we had asked for in the debate on accommodation. May I take it from your statement, Mr. Speaker, that the terms of reference will cover all the proposals on accommodation contained in the Minister of Works' statement to which you have referred?
§ Mr. SpeakerYes, I think that follows, as the hon. Lady will understand when she has had time to look at the actual wording of the terms of reference.