HC Deb 03 July 1967 vol 749 cc1262-3
35. Mr. Winnick

asked the Lord President of the Council if he is aware of the large number of people waiting to enter the Strangers' Gallery at 2.30 p.m. onwards; and whether any arrangements are in hand to enlarge the amount of accommodation available for visitors.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Richard Crossman)

If my hon. Friend is referring to the accommodation available for visitors in the Galleries, this can only be enlarged by rebuilding or by reducing the existing allocation of seats to Members. If, however, he is referring to accommodation available for visitors waiting to get into the Strangers' Gallery, the police do their best to bring in as many as possible under cover, but they must be allowed to exercise their discretion according to the circumstances prevailing at the time.

Mr. Winnick

Has any survey been made to see whether the accommodation can be enlarged? Would my right hon. Friend agree that it should be a matter of great public concern that the accommodation should be so restricted even at the best of times? Perhaps my right hon. Friend could make a statement about the question of the doorkeepers which, perhaps, could lead to further restrictions on public accommodation?

Mr. Crossman

I think the question about the doorkeepers is a separate one. The Services Committee is proceeding to consider the question of extension because we, too, regard it as of the greatest public interest to maximise the accommodation available for the ever-increasing number of people who want to listen to our debates.

Mr. Costain

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we appreciate the difficulty of increasing the accommodation, but it is unfair that the public should be asked to sit or stand in the rain outside these Houses? Would it be possible for them to be accommodated in Westminster Hall while they are waiting?

Mr. Crossman

That matter was referred to in the second part of my Answer. We have to arrange this with the police and have to take their advice, but the maximum cover is provided now.