HC Deb 14 May 1984 vol 60 c14
32. Sir Geoffrey Finsberg

asked the Lord Privy Seal when he will arrange for the chairman of the Public Accounts Commission to have a regular day for answering oral questions.

Mr. Biffen

Following discussions through the usual channels, I have arranged that oral questions to the Member answering for the Public Accounts Commission will start not later than 3.15 pm on every sixth Monday beginning on 25 June 1984. Questions to the House of Commons Commission will next be answered on 4 June and every sixth Monday thereafter, starting not later than 3.15 pm as at present. Questions in respect of the arts will continue to start at not later than 3.20 pm on those days.

Sir Geoffrey Finsberg

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that is a helpful beginning and will give some of us an opportunity to ask why this new body has decided that it must occupy luxury premises in central London at high cost to the taxpayer?

Mr. Biffen

I thank my hon. Friend for raising the matter. It would be helpful to put it before the Public Accounts Commission. I am sure that the whole House will await with interest the reply to the question, of which we have been given a trailer.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Does the Public Accounts Commission deserve to be given as much time as that on the Floor of the House? I am asking that as a member of the Committee.

Mr. Biffen

Time will reveal.