HC Deb 30 January 1967 vol 740 cc27-8
39. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Lord President of the Council if, in view of the detrimental effect on health of the long hours spent by Members of Parliament in the Commons building, he will make provision for a health room, with some gymnasic apparatus, relaxators, and health lamps to enable Members of Parliament to keep fit.

Mr. Crossman

As my predecessor said in answer to a Question on 22nd June, 1966, there is no space in the Palace of Westminster for providing facilities for Members to take physical exercise. However, there is a case for such facilities being provided and this will certainly be looked at in relation to the plans for the proposed new Parliamentary building.—[Vol. 730, c. 579–80.]

Mrs. Butler

Is my right hon. Friend aware that even quite modest provision of this kind would be welcomed, particularly by younger Members who complain about the enervating atmosphere and lack of facilities for exercise here? Perhaps even my right hon. Friend himself might like to limber up before some of his confrontations with his more spirited right hon. Friends?

Mr. Crossman

This is something I might consider, though there are different ways to limber up for spiritual contest.

Mr. Frederic Harris

Is not most of this physical effort done by the Labour Party in its own committee rooms?

Mr. Rankin

Does my right hon. Friend recall that these facilities for physical ex- Ercise—chest expansion and so forth—were provided some time ago and, as a result, because of the exhaustion produced among Members, attendances in the Chamber were actually affected?

Mr. Crossman

I was not aware that all facilities were provided; I knew that some were provided of a somewhat occasional kind.