§ 23. Mr. Martenasked the Lord President of the Council what steps have been taken to provide more suitable summer attire for the staff of the House, particularly the Badge Messengers and Doorkeepers.
§ Mr. FootArrangements are being made for light-weight jackets to be provided in future for the Dorkeepers.
§ Mr. MartenI am sure that the staff will very much appreciate that next year. Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the change-over to summer attire is brought in when it becomes warm rather than on a certain date, as is the case with central heating in the Civil Service and on British Rail, which has a fixed date for starting and ending? Will he ensure that the system is flexible?
§ Mr. FootI shall take the hon. Gentleman's point into consideration. I am in favour of as much free choice as possible for the staff.
§ Mr. George CunninghamHas my right hon. Friend entertained the thought that being responsible for the business of the House and either breaking up or preventing the breaking up of the United Kingdom gives him enough to do without his having to bother about where a particular fan was made or what clothing should be worn by members of the staff? Will he indicate that he is prepared to give up the chairmanship of the Services Committee, which has nothing to do with him, and have that post taken over by a Back Bencher?
§ Mr. FootI am willing to consider that suggestion. My hon. Friend would make a good candidate for that post. At the moment I have the job, and I am sure that the House will be gratified to know that I was not directly responsible 26 for the way in which the fans were operating.
§ Mr. PowellWill the right hon. Gentleman explain why there is all this fuss about summer attire? Is it not the case that if people want to be cool they should keep their normal clothing on rather than take it off?
§ Mr. FootI am sure that the right hon. Gentleman is one of the few hon. Members of the House who is exactly the same all the year round.