HC Deb 25 July 1966 vol 732 cc1195-6
23. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what progress he has now made in arranging tours of the Palace of Westminster by hon. Members and members of the Press.

Mr. Prentice

This is a matter for the authorities of the two Houses whose attention I invited to the similar inquiry made by my hon. Friend on 23rd May, 1966.

Mr. Hamilton

Has my right hon. Friends followed that up and asked the authorities of the respective Houses whether they have made any progress? Is he himself anxious that hon. Members and members of the Press should see into every nook and cranny of this building, because it is clearly in the public interest that they should? Will he himself take an initiative and see that these tours are arranged?

Mr. Prentice

No, Sir. I have no authority to organise tours. I responded to my hon. Friend's original Question by saying that it was an interesting idea but it is not for me to interfere with the operations of the Services Committee in this House or the Administration Committee in another place. If my hon. Friend is interested in this matter, I suggest that he could follow it up himself with the appropriate authorities.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Will the Minister consider asking his hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) to conduct one of these tours to another place and perhaps to stay there?