§ 30. Mr. Hooleyasked the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement in response to the recent report of the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) about future accommodation of Members and staff at the House.
§ Mr. BiffenI am afraid that at this stage I cannot add to my earlier replies on this subject.
§ Mr. HooleyDoes the Lord President agree that this is a constructive and helpful report? If, after the election, he becomes the shadow Leader of the House, will he give us an assurance that he will give it his full support on behalf of his party?
§ Mr. BiffenI can easily answer the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question by saying yes. As to the second part, I hope that in the new Parliament there will be an early opportunity to debate the report and it will be for the future House to make its resolution.
§ Mr. DormandWill the Leader of the House give an assurance that it remains a major aim of the Government to make as much accommodation as possible available within the Palace of Westminster, as distinct from what might be described as the outbuildings of the Palace?
§ Mr. BiffenYes, the hon. Gentleman raises a fair point. The Palace of Westminster should take precedence in the distribution of accommodation for Members of Parliament.