HC Deb 23 November 1966 vol 736 cc1389-91
35. Mr. Ellis

asked the Lord President of the Council how many private rooms are now available in the Palace of Westminster for the use of back-bench Members.

Sir G. Wills

I have been asked to reply.

Twenty-nine single rooms and 8 double rooms.

Mr. Ellis

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware, having regard to the fact that the hon. Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Robert Cooke) and my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, West (Mr. Orme) are together in this matter—I believe that that causes the imagination to boggle—that many of us are concerned about the present position? If a lot of changes are taking place in the allocation of the rooms, will he inform us—we believe that it is impossible—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We must have brief questions. Will the hon. Gentleman put his question quickly?

Mr. Ellis

Would the hon. Gentleman inform us how the existing procedure works in the allocation of rooms in these buildings?

Sir G. Wills

That is another question, but I can give the hon. Gentleman some encouragement by telling him that, when the new Star Court building is completed, there will be about 50 more places, both double and single, for hon. Members as a result of the reshuffle which will take place then.

36. Mr. Ellis

asked the Lord President of the Council on what principles, and by whom, private rooms in the Palace of Westminster were allocated to Members.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Richard Crossman)

Private rooms are allocated to back-bench Members by the Accommodation and Housekeeping Sub-Committee of the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services).

Mr. Ellis

How does the existing system work? Is my right hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members are becoming increasingly concerned about this matter? If it is a question of accommodation being allocated by a lottery, will my right hon. Friend take steps to let hon. Members know exactly how the system works, because, as I said, some of us are very disquieted about it?

Mr. Crossman

I do not think that there has been any attempt to conceal the way in which the system works. Rooms are allocated in equal proportions to back-bench hon. Members on both sides of the House, more than 100 Members of the Labour Party having rooms in their capacity as Ministers. The method of allocation is now being reviewed.

Mr. Robert Cooke

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that, from the point of view of the share of rooms for Conservative hon. Members, they are allocated strictly on the ground of seniority?

Mr. Grossman

That is not within my purview. The Accommodation and Housekeeping Sub-Committee is responsible for the allocation and has given the detailed job to a Member of each side of the House, who does it according to his wisdom.