HC Deb 23 July 1984 vol 64 cc709-10
42. Mr. Adley

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is satisfied with the workings of the services of the House, in so far as they relate to his responsibility.

The Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. John Biffen)

I am sure that improvement is always possible. If my hon. Friend has a specific issue to raise, I shall gladly draw it to the attention of the Services Committee.

Mr. Adley

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Might I take him at his word and ask whether he will do something about the lift service in this building? Is he aware that it has deteriorated recently and that reports to that effect to the usual channels get nowhere? I am raising the matter on the Floor of the House in an attempt to get something done.

Mr. Biffen

I understand my hon. Friend's point. I am sure that he will not be wholly reassured when I tell him that the lifts are essentially the responsibility of the Property Services Agency, which has an extensive lift improvement scheme. I shall therefore look forward all the more to hearing from my hon. Friend and taking up whatever point he has in mind.

Mr. Crouch

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the broadcasting of the proceedings of the House on radio? Does he agree that that broadcasting would be greatly improved if he were now to innovate and televise the House?

Mr. Biffen

I think that my hon. Friend's question strays just a little far from the original one. I hope that he will excuse me if I do not drift into consideration of televising the House. I should have thought that if there was anything wrong with the sound broadcasting of the House it was more to do with our contribution than the editing.