Car Parking (Hansard, 19 April 1972)

§ 36. Sir G. Nabarro
asked the Lord President of the Council, following his correspondence with the Chairman of the House of Commons Motor Club, whether he will now make a statement concerning parking accommodation for Members' cars within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster from the summer of 1972 to the summer of 1973, while the underground car park is being built, and while 25 per cent. only of Members' cars will be provided for within the precincts, and 75 per cent. at Broad Sanctuary or Horse Guards, or both.

§ Mr. R. Carr
I am very much aware of the importance of ensuring that the House has adequate car parking facilities throughout the construction of the proposed underground car park The Services Committee has this problem under detailed consideration at the present time and, I hope, will be reporting to the House shortly.

§ Sir G. Nabarro
Did my right hon. Friend witness the indescribable confusion in New Palace Yard yesterday evening when motor cars serving up to 570 Members voting in Divisions, including my own, were parked there? As there were 60 Ministerial cars with chauffeurs in attendance all standing unused in Speaker's Court until 4 o'clock in the morning, would not it have been more sensible to place those facilities at the disposal of Members coming to and fro and obeying the calls of their Whips, which they will not be able to do if their cars are parked as far away as Horse Guards Parade or Broad Sanctuary?

§ Mr. Carr
The circumstances to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention underline the urgent need for the underground car park which we hope will soon be started. According to my information, the maximum capacity of Speaker's Court is for 36 cars. Nevertheless it is a serious 504 problem. The Services Committee is aware of it. We have studied carefully the information that my hon. Friend gave the Committee. I hope we shall be reporting on it shortly.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell
As a temporary measure, will the right hon. Gentleman write to all members of the House of Commons Motor Club and to those hon. Members who park their cars in New Palace Yard, giving them elementary instructions on how to park a car? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is becoming increasingly difficult for taxis to get to the Members' Entrance in New Palace Yard?

§ Mr. Carr
I am not sure that a letter from me to all hon. Members on this subject would be productive. But I will see whether anything can be done.