HC Deb 30 July 1974 vol 878 cc480-1
Mr. Arthur Lewis

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure whether this point of order comes within your purview, Mr. Speaker, or that of the Leader of the House.

You, Sir, are here to protect the interests of all Members of Parliament, irrespective of party, and particularly back benchers. There are various organisations which have accommodation in the House and hold meetings here, and I understand that the matter is under your control.

Many hon. Members are members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, of which you are one of the Honorary Vice-Presidents. For, I think, a hundred years the IPU has occupied office accommodation in the House, from which it has now been kicked out by the other place. What can we as elected Members of Parliament do to protect our rights and so see that the other place does not kick out our appointed organisations from office accommodation which they want to keep? I ask you to look into this matter, Mr. Speaker, and to maintain the status quo until the House has an opportunity of discussing the subject.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Edward Short)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. This matter came to my notice this morning. In the last quarter of an hour I have met the Chairman and Secretary of the IPU and promised to look urgently into the matter.

Mr. Speaker

In regard to the point of order raised by the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis), I would inform the hon. Gentleman that I am concerned about these matters and knew of them. The extent to which I have any jurisdiction over accommodation in the other place is a matter of doubt, but it is a matter that is being considered by me as well as by the Leader of the House.