§ 37. Mr. Spearingasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement concerning facilities that may be granted in the Palace of Westminster to categories of persons who are not hon. Members of Parliament to assist them in that office.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasFacilities are granted only to people whose functions have a direct connection with the work of the House or its Members.
§ Mr. SpearingI am grateful for that statement of principle. Can the Leader of the House assure us that that admirable principle will not be extended in the report which is to be published on Thursday? If, by chance, it is, does he agree that that will represent a constitutional break, even if the details appear to be slight?
§ Mr. St. John-StevasI cannot anticipate the publication of the report of the Services Committee. It would be improper for me so to do. Knowing the hon. Member's keen interest in these matters I chose my words carefully. The words were particularly carefully chosen in view of who was asking the question.