HC Deb 15 November 1982 vol 32 cc16-7
37. Mr. Hooley

asked the Lord President of the Council when was the most recent review by his office of the accommodation needs of the support staff of Back Benchers.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. John Biffen)

The accommodation and needs of Members and their staff are under constant review by the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee of the Services Committee.

Mr. Hooley

Is the Lord President aware that the announcement of the £15 million plan to adapt the building across the road during the recess was extremely welcome? Does he agree that the staff of Back Benchers who are essential to the proper functioning of the work of Members of Parliament—

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Not at all.

Mr. Hooley

—who are essential to the proper functioning of the work of Members of Parliament, notwithstanding the interjection of the right hon. Member for Down, South (Mr. Powell), should have civilised and reasonable conditions in which to work? Will he press on with schemes to improve and extend the required accommodation in the House?

Mr. Powell

No.

Mr. Biffen

I did not hear the intervention of the right hon. Member for Down, South (Mr. Powell). I suspect that it was fairly pertinent. As to the more general issue, I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Sub-Committee will assess the use to which the Bridge Street premises might be put, taking account of the needs of staff.

Mr. John Wells

Is my right hon. Friend aware that all hon. Members would wish their support staff to have good facilities but that most would prefer their research assistants and other support staff to have their facilities across the road, so that the mainstream facilities in this building are not overclogged, as they are now?

Mr. Biffen

It would be detrimental if we were so overrun by assistants that we became strangers in our own land.

Mr. John Silkin

Who will confer in the proposed Government building in Storey's Gate? Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be a good idea to use that building—on a temporary basis, of course—for the House of Lords while it remains in existence and for the House to take over the rest of this building?

Mr. Biffen

The right hon. Gentleman's supplementary goes wider than the original question. That formula protects me from having to answer such a loaded question.