HC Deb 24 April 1967 vol 745 cc1149-50
41. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Lord President of the Council what proposals he is making which will allow members of the Press, working in the Houses of Parliament, to have access to the Terrace.

Mr. Crossman

The Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) is considering the whole question of facilities for the Press, including the possibility of re-establishing "Annie's Bar" and granting access to the Terrace. No final decision has yet been reached, as difficult questions of accommodation are involved, but I hope that proposals now being considered may lead to a conclusion satisfactory to all parties.

Mr. Dalyell

When is a final decision likely to be reached? Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while many of us are in favour of the reincarnation both of Annie and of her Bar, we should like to know what will happen about access to the Terrace when Parliament becomes muggier and muggier for those who have to work in it as the summer rolls on?

Mr. Crossman

I have to assure my hon. Friend that there is no question of the reincarnation of Annie herself; it is only the Bar. As regards the Terrace, there are very delicate matters of negotiations involved. There are two sides at least to this to be considered by the Services Committee. I can tell my hon. Friend that the Committee will be considering this in the immediate future.