HC Deb 15 April 1970 vol 799 c1385
39. Mr. Roebuck

asked the Lord President of the Council if he is aware of the inconvenience to hon. Members resulting from closure of the photocopying room in the House at 10 p.m.; and whether he will arrange for a photocopying machine to be available at all times.

Mr. Peart

There is available for the use of Members a photocopying machine in the Library and on the Clerk of the House Floor, both of which can be used at any time up to the rising of the House. If the photocopying room were kept open after 10 p.m. it would entail recruitment of an additional attendant.

Mr. Roebuck

Can my right hon. Friend make that clear? Most hon. Members are under the impression that the photocopying machine in the Library can be used only for reproducing Library material. Indeed, is not my right hon. Friend aware that there is a notice to that effect. Furthermore, many hon. Members work here until late at night, and we have far too few facilities. Surely it is not beyond the realms of his great administrative ability to arrange for the photocopying room to remain open all night.

Mr. Peart

I am pressurised about expense. There are two machines, and I have given an answer about them. I will look into the matter about the Library.

Mr. James Davidson

At what time are these machines available in the morning? I and, I believe, many other hon. Members would be more concerned to see the machine operating before 10 o'clock in the morning, particularly as there is often only half an hour between the opening-up of the machines and the starting of Committees.

Mr. Peart

I will look into that.