HC Deb 24 July 1967 vol 751 cc45-6
35. Mr. Longden

asked the Lord President of the Council what progress is being made in regard to the new building; and if he will make a statement.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Richard Crossman)

Consideration of the provision of more accommodation for Members is being actively studied by the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services), which will make a Report to the House in due course. I am not therefore in a position to make any statement at present.

Mr. Longden

Is it not the case that certain decisions of quite fundamental importance have been taken without reference to the House as a whole? For instance, is it the case, as I am told, that it has been decided that the kitchen shall stay here and not be removed to a new place, whereas I should have thought that if anything should have been moved from here it would have been the kitchen? When is the House as a whole to be taken into the right hon. Gentleman's confidence?

Mr. Crossman

As to the first part of the supplementary question, which was incoherent but intelligible, the answer is that I would not agree with the hon. Gentleman that the further from the House the better for the kitchen. It seems that the kitchen should be some- where near the Chamber. It would not be true to say that a decision has been taken on that subject.