HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 cc1147-9
39. Mr. Dickens

asked the Lord President of the Council what proposals he has for extending the facilities available to Members during the Parliamentary Recess.

Mr. Crossman

The Palace of Westminster is always open during recesses for use by Members, and facilities are available during certain times of the day; Members' rooms and desk rooms are, of course, open at all times; the Refreshment Department is open on most days between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; the Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and the Vote Office between 7.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. In addition, the photographic copying machines are available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., an extension of three hours over the previous practice.

Mr. Dickens

Does my right hon. Friend accept that certain basic services should be available to Members both during the Parliamentary Session and during the Recess? In particular, does he not agree that all Members should have available the services of photo-copying equipment—in this building—the services of the Vote Office and also a refreshment room between the hours of ten and five on all days during the Recess except on public holidays and week-ends?

Mr. Crossman

If my hon. Friend will read my Answer in HANSARD, he will find that I have covered his supplementary question.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the Lord President aware that last summer all restaurants in the Palace of Westminster were closed for the entire month of August? Does he appreciate that this was very inconvenient for hon. Members working in the building throughout that month? Will he take steps to ensure that in the next Summer Recess there will be at least one restaurant open?

Mr. Crossman

I will certainly consider all these questions, and ascertain exactly what the length of time is during which it is intended to close altogether during the Summer Recess.

Mr. William Hamilton

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that facilities will be available during the Recess for Members to take their visitors round, in view of the fact that these tours will be curtailed as a result of the continuation of morning sittings?

Mr. Crossman

I entirely agree. As my hon. Friend says, we are likely, through our work, to reduce access for visitors. It is important that more days should be available in the Recess when visitors can make the full tour of the House without any kind of obstacle.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Without being too extravagant in one's demands, could one perhaps have some ink during the Recess?

Mr. Crossman

That is just the kind of detailed question that I would like to discuss with the hon. Gentleman behind Mr. Speaker's Chair.

Mr. Dickens

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall seek leave to raise the matter again on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.