§ 25. Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether necessary works during the coming Summer Recess will result in disturbance to Members' rooms.
§ Mr. MellishI am sorry to say that it will. The works programme for this Recess includes the replacement of the existing annunciators by closed-circuit television sets, and the considerable extension of this service, as recommended in the Fourteenth Report of the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services), Session 1966–67. The wiring for this installation is inevitably extensive and will affect a great number of rooms.
§ Mr. WellbelovedWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, although we congratulate him on trying to improve facilities in the desk rooms, most hon. Members will not be satisfied until adequate provision has been made for proper office accommodation for all who wish to have it?
§ Mr. MellishYes, Sir, and hereby hangs another tale. What we must do is put up another new building across the road in Bridge Street, and one day the House will give me permission so to do.
§ Mr. GoodhewWhat is the cost of installing these closed-circuit television sets in all the desk rooms?
§ Mr. MellishI cannot answer off the cuff, but it is considerable. The hon. Gentleman must understand that I was given an instruction by a Select Committee of the House comprising Members of all parties. I have to take the instructions of the House in this matter.