HC Deb 20 November 1968 vol 773 cc1296-7
43. Mr. John Smith

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is satisfied that working conditions throughout the Commons part of the Palace of Westminster comply in all respects with the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

I am satisfied that every effort is made to conform with the conditions laid down in the Act.

Mr. Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that conditions—of all sorts—here are no longer adequate for the amount of work that most people in this building have to do? If his colleagues are to lecture the public about modernising Britain, would it not be more convincing to begin by modernising this building?

Mr. Peart

I should hate to lecture my colleagues, on both sides of the House. I believe that the hon. Gentleman is right. I think that the amenities which hon. Members have to endure here are deplorable. That comment applies for the staff as well. This is a matter which we shall have to consider from a long-term point of view, but I gave the precise answer in relation to the Act.

Mr. Heffer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the conditions for secretaries, especially those over at Bridge Street, and the toilet facilities, are disgraceful? Is my right hon. Friend also aware that if this were a private company it would be brought before the courts and prosecuted? It is high time that we, as a Labour Government, did something about the conditions of these workers in this building and over the road.

Mr. Peart

I am aware of that. I have stated precisely that this is a matter which can be solved only by a major reconstruction of the House, or the construction of a new Chamber.

Mr. Peyton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his initial Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for the Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. John Smith) was anything but precise? It was one of the vaguest Answers that any Minister has ever given to any Question. Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the Question? Does he think that conditions here comply with the Act? If any private employer were responsible for such conditions, would he, or would he not, face a prosecution?

Mr. Peart

I accept that there are difficulties, and I am not dodging the issue. Exemptions have been taken out in relation to the application of the Act. This happened in relation to the HANSARD reporters. I agree with hon. Members that there are many amenities which are deplorable, but I give an undertaking that I shall look into the matter.

Mr. Heffer

This is a matter of long standing.

Mr. Peart

If my hon. Friend will be patient, I shall be delighted to have a word with him about the matter to see whether something can be done.