HC Deb 05 July 1965 vol 715 cc1110-1
32. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will explore the possibilities of raising the ceiling of the Library corridor in the House of Commons and introducing a new floor bisecting the resulting space, to provide a small number of rooms for the use of honourable Members, and at the same time explore the possibility of building two additional floors on the roof of the Members' Tea Room, to provide for a number of small rooms for the use of honourable Members, all within easy reach of the Chamber of the House; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. C. Pannell

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Cooke

I am grateful to the Minister for his reply. I hope he will bear in mind the fact that there is a misprint in the Question, and that it should have referred to "a large number of small rooms" and not "a small number of rooms". In view of the great interest that has been shown in this subject, perhaps I may give notice that I should like to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. Pannell

I thought that I had given a satisfactory answer. I suggest to the hon. Member that he does not—

Sir J. Langford-Holt

On a point of order. Notice having been given by my hon. Friend of his intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment, is it not quite out of order for the Minister to speak further on the subject?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member started by asking a supplementary question and then gave notice in the middle of it. I thought that the Minister might be allowed half an answer to balance the matter.

Mr. Pannell

I was dealing with the point that the hon. Member put to me a week or so ago in another place. [HON. MEMBERS: "Another place?"] I would be out of order if I referred to evidence given before the Select Committee. Since then, knowing the hon. Member's interest in the subject, I have made some preliminary inquiries. In view of that I would be grateful if the hon. Member would await some action on our part, which would have to be taken in the Summer Recess, before precipitately running in with an Adjournment debate.

Mr. Cooke

On a point of order. I did not seek to criticise the right hon. Gentleman. I sought to give notice to you, Mr. Speaker, in a way which would enable us to pursue the matter without implying any criticism.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is more regular now. I accept his notice to seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.