§ 37. Mr. John Wellsasked the Lord President of the Council what is the estimated cost including all salaries and wages of the Commons part of the Palace of Westminster for each 10 minutes of Parliamentary time.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe total estimated expenditure in 1966–67 on the House of Commons, including allied services, is £4,550,100. I do not think that any calculations on the lines suggested by the hon. Member would have very much meaning.
§ Mr. WellsThe meaning which perhaps the Lord President could give if he were to do the sum for us and therefore answer the Question would give a clear indication to certain hon. Members of the cost to the nation of bringing forward Ten-Minute Rule Bills which have no prospects of reaching the Statute Book and which, furthermore, are largely brought forward for personal self-advertisement.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe bringing forward of Ten-Minute Rule Bills is not only done from this side of the House. Moreover, it has a value which should not be underestimated. I know no way of quantifying the value of a Ten-Minute Rule Bill since, in my view, it varies from Bill to Bill and from mover to mover.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he changed things to cut out self-advertisement we could do all our business in the Grand Committee rooms?
§ Mr. CrossmanI am aware that if all of us became angels we would not do any business at all.