HC Deb 07 March 1980 vol 980 cc806-7
Mr. Lawrence

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, the starting times for sittings on Fridays was changed, with the approval of the House to 9.30 am. I was opposed to that, and mine was a lone voice; I make that concession immediately. But if we cannot have the facilities of the House available in good time in order to prepare ourselves for the 9.30 sitting, the House is not functioning as it should.

We were given an assurance that, notwithstanding the difficulties for the staff of the House in being here one and a half hours earlier on Fridays, all the facilities would be available and the workings of the House would be in no way inhibited. That has not so far happened. This morning, for example, the one cafeteria that was open—and you will appreciate, Mr. Speaker, that those of us who come a long distance at an early hour, standing like sardines in trains, need a cup of coffee before we start the day's activities—was not serving any drink before 9.20. That is a little close to prayers, and upon inquiring I found that there appeared to be some sort of industrial dispute, as a result of which there is a conflict about who should turn on the heaters.

I merely raise this point for the protection of hon. Members so that every effort should be made—and I hope that those responsible for these matters will ensure that every effort is made—to see that the facilities are available at a reasonable time before the sitting of the House so that hon. Members can get on with their work in an appropriate manner. If what is happening—perhaps this is not the case—is happening because it is difficult for the staff and everyone else to come in at an early hour, we ought to re-think the time of the Friday sitting.

Mr. Freud

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I noticed on the first Friday on which we worked with the new sitting hours that it was almost impossible to get papers for the sitting from the Vote Office before 9 o'clock. I should like to voice my appreciation to the Vote Office, which has now allowed one to go downstairs or to the side entrance in order to get documentation at an early hour.

I have never been in favour of gastronomic lubrication before a debate. The hon. Member for Burton (Mr. Lawrence) may find it hard to do without it. I find it easy.

In your wisdom Mr. Speaker, you have selected new clause 4, on the Road Traffic (Seat Belts) Bill, which we may well come to after the first business. However, new clause 4 is not printed on today's Amendment Paper. The last version of it, which was printed two weeks' ago, has been confined to the shredder. That makes life very difficult for us because I know that you would want us to discuss it fully, and I think that enough hon. Members have given an intimation of wishing to do so.

Mr. Speaker

Two points of order have been raised. The whole House will agree with the hon. Member for Burton (Mr. Lawrence): we must have reasonable facilities. I know that those responsible are making the maximum effort, and I will look into what has happened today. Second, with regard to new clause 4, I shall look into the matter, and by the time it is reached, if it is reached today, no doubt copies will be available for hon. Members.