HC Deb 12 May 1971 vol 817 cc374-5
37. Mr. Leonard

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will arrange for facilities in the House of Commons for Members to play table tennis.

Mr. Whitelaw

I have noted the hon. Member's topical suggestion, but I am afraid that there is no space available at the moment.

Mr Leonard

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his answer, particularly bearing in mind that, unlike certain other suggestions for sporting and recreational activities in the House, a table tennis room could be provided with no structural alteration to the building and at absolutely minimum expense? This is a game which could be played, no doubt at widely varying standards, by most hon. Members. Will he also bear in mind that that facility would greatly help in entertaining parliamentary delegations, not perhaps from Timbuktu but from countries further east?

Mr. Whiitelaw

The problem is that there is a strong demand for any accommodation in the House of Commons area. I should point out that the Houses of Parliament Sports and Social Club, which is run for the benefit of the staff employed in the Palace of Westminster, has a table in its premises which it will be pleased to make available to hon. Members after 7 p.m. The club's premises are situated, perhaps appropriately enough, on the ground floor of the Lord Chancellor's residence.

Mr. Strauss

In view of a recent international incident, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the beneficent results sometimes of ping-pong?

Mr. Whitelaw

Certainly. I note what the hon. Gentleman says.