No. 1, Bridge Street (Hansard, 21 December 1964)

§ 39. Mr. Tilney
asked the Minister of Public Building and Works why he is not making use of the top storey of No. 1, Bridge Street.

§ Mr. C. Pannell
This is poor quality attic accommodation; some of the rooms have bad natural lighting, heating is inadequate, access is difficult and the lift is often unpredictable. I could not justify the considerable expense of renovating this accommodation.

§ Mr. Tilney
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some hon. Gentlemen and hon. Ladies are prepared to walk if the lift is out of order? This is a valuable site. Does he not agree that all these rooms need is a lick of paint, and that many a Parliamentary organisation would like the use of these rooms?

§ Mr. Pannell
I think the hon. Gentleman understates the matter. I do not want any more casualties or by-elections than can possibly be helped as a result of running up and down those four flights of stairs. I have got some sympathy for hon. Members opposite. These are five attic rooms two of which, including the biggest, have very poor natural light. It would cost at least £2,000 to carry out these works, and I hardly think the end-result is worth that.

§ Mr. Tilney
Would it really cost £2,000 for a lick of paint in these rooms?

§ Mr. Pannell
The hon. Gentleman is easily satisfied. I have in mind rather better accommodation than he seems to envisage. If we just carried out the minor repairs that he has in mind, I would spend all my time at the Box apologising for my Department. I am rather proud of it.