HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 cc2101-2
35. Mr. Handing

asked the Lord President of the Council what steps are being taken to implement the Catering Wages Act and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act in the part of the Palace of Westminster occupied by the House of Commons.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert W. Bowden)

The agreement on conditions of service for permanent staff provides that the hours of work, rates of pay and conditions of service of the staff of the Refreshment Department will be based on the Catering Wages Act, adapted as necessary. The standards of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, although not enforceable within the House of Commons, are, on Mr. Speaker's directions, applied so far as possible.

36. Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will place the buildings in the Star Chamber Court at the disposal of back-bench full- time Members.

Mr. Bowden

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Second Report of the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services), published last Friday.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Report was not received with satisfaction by back-bench Members and that there is an urgent need to make accommodation available within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster for those Members who are full-time Members of the House, looking after the interests of their constituents, who do not spend their time on financial vested interests outside?

Mr. Bowden

If my hon. Friend will re-read the Services Committee's Report he will see that as a result of a decanting of certain other rooms in the premises, by January, 1967, an additional hundred places will be provided for hon. Members.

37. Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will make a statement on the progress which has been made in improving facilities for Members in those parts of the Palace of Westminster occupied by the House of Commons.

Mr. Bowden

The progress so far made is set out in the three Reports of the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services).

Mr. Wellbeloved

Is my right hon. Friend aware that supplying a bathroom, W.C. and bedroom for Officers of the House is not a satisfactory explanation and is not the right function for the Select Committee?

Mr. Bowden

On the contrary, I rather think that it is. There are certain necessary provisions for Officers of the House when the House is sitting all night.