§ 35. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Lord President of the Council if he will seek to enforce the standards of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act in the Commons part of the Palace of Westminster.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Fred Peart)I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave to the 1714 hon. Member for the Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. John Smith) on 20th November last.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the working conditions of hon. Members and the facilities for the staff of the House are far below the standards of the Act, and should not the place where the law is enacted set an example in enforcing it?
§ Mr. PeartI assure my hon. Friend that, as an old Member of the House, I have always accepted this. The standards are not what I would like, but as long as I am Lord President I will try to improve them.
§ Mr. Ian LloydIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some hon. Members are particularly concerned about the slow progress being made with the improvement in the low standard of lighting in the Palace?
§ Mr. PeartI will look into this. I know that the hon. Member has taken a particular interest in it, and I will do what I can.