§ 4. Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of New Palace Yard.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Reginald Eyre)I hope that the underground car park will come progressively into use from July and understand that the Services Committee is at present considering alternative solutions for the surface.
§ Mr. CormackMay I express the hope that the Services Committee's new solutions will take into account what was said in the debate that we had a few months ago? May I urge my hon. Friend to consider once again whether this vastly extravagant car park cannot be put to better use and its enormous capacity devoted to other more essential facilities of the House?
§ Mr. EyreI must stress that my Department is only the servant of the House in that matter. In due course the Services Committee will make recommendations. I have no doubt that it will take into account the points that my hon. Friend has just mentioned—
§ Mr. Russell KerrI doubt it.
§ Mr. Eyre—and subsequently, with the authority of the House, my Department will carry out its instructions.
§ Mr. WellbelovedWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the uninformed and obstructive view expressed by the hon. Member for Cannock (Mr. Cormack) has contributed to the inflationary costs which will result when New Palace Yard is resurfaced?