HC Deb 25 January 1980 vol 977 c797
Mr. English

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I should like to raise with you a strange incident that seems to have occurred today. As we are all aware, the House has moved, but not shortened, its time of sitting. However, the occasion seems to have been seized by some Departments of the House under your control to shorten their hours and thereby reduce services to Members.

Of course, there are exceptions. I am not suggesting that the Clerk's Department, the Post Office, the Official Reportand others are not providing the same services at different times as they have provided in the past, but I understand that the Library has somewhat shortened its hours of work and that, for example, the Tea Room is not providing cups of coffee for Members before the House sits, and so on.

I wonder whether over the next few weeks you, Mr. Speaker, and the Services Committee—I am glad to see the Leader of the House in his place—can investigate this matter so that Members may continue to receive the services that they formerly received.

Mr. Speaker

I shall certainly look into the matter raised by the hon. Gentleman. I had better not comment any further until I have looked into it.