HC Deb 01 November 1965 vol 718 cc600-1
23. Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he has yet formulated any proposals to provide additional accommodation for the improvement of working conditions for Lobby and Gallery correspondents.

Mr. C. Pannell

As the hon. Member will have observed, building is going on in Star Court. When this is completed and an allocation of rooms made, we will be in a better position to consider accommodation for correspondents.

Mr. Marten

Has the Minister any hope of improving on this?

Mr. Pannell

This is really not a matter for me. The House, I believe, proposes to set up a special Committee. It will not be done strictly under my Department. The Committee of the House will make its own allocation.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Will the Minister press ahead as hard as he can on this question? Will he bear in mind that the new Second Reading Committee may impose an additional strain on the Gallery calling for extra staff in already woefully overcrowded conditions?

Mr. Pannell

Yes, but I am conscious of the increasing strain that is continually borne by Members and I must keep my priorities right.

25. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will state the cost of the pest control treatment of the outside fabric of the Palace of Westminster, the estimated time during which such treatment will remain effective, and the reason for such treatment.

Mr. C. Pannell

Treatment cost £900 and will last three years. The hon. Member must be the only Member of the House who does not appreciate the reason for it.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Where have all the pigeons gone? If the right hon. Gentleman succeeds in banishing them from London, is he not afraid that action may be taken by Mary Poppins?

Mr. Pannell

I can only say this: I expected another supplementary question. I thought that the hon. and learned Gentleman was concerned about cruelty to dumb animals. I can only tell him that I am advised that the pigeons get a sort of neurosis. It does not harm the pigeons, but I am told that the birds are repelled by a sense of insecurity on landing.

28. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the reason for the delay in completion of the second part of the roof scheme over the Lords end of the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. C. Pannell

There has been no delay, except for the allocation of the Fees Office.

Mr. Cooke

Can the Minister tell us when this accommodation will be available for the use of hon. Members?

Mr. Pannell

It will be ready for occupation at the beginning of December.

30. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he expects to complete the Star Court building; and what provisional allocation of new space has been made.

Mr. C. Pannell

By the end of next year. The allocation is a matter presumably for the proposed new House of Commons Services Committee.