§ 35. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Lord President of the Council what action has been taken to improve the conditions of the staff rest-rooms and changing-rooms in the House of Commons, arising out of the criticism made by the Treasury Catering Adviser.
§ Mr. MaxwellI have been asked to reply.
I am aware that staff conditions in this respect need urgent improvement. The Accommodation and Housekeeping Sub-Committee are considering how to extend such accommodation, and in addition, a certain amount of redecoration of existing rooms is to be undertaken during the Summer Recess.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamSince we help to pass legislation to improve conditions 1144 outside the House, should we not take very urgent action to improve conditions for our own staff inside the House?
§ Mr. MaxwellI entirely agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman. There are many things to be done to improve the conditions, not just for staff but for Members. A programme of work is in hand which involves the redecorating of about nine rooms, and other steps are being taken in consultation with the proper authorities to improve conditions generally.