HC Deb 24 June 1985 vol 81 c636
34. Mr. Soley

asked the Lord Privy Seal what proportion of total cost of Members' salaries and allowances is represented by remuneration of hon. Members' secretaries and research assistants.

Mr. Biffen

The proportion in the financial year 1984–85 was approximately 22 per cent.

Mr. Soley

Does the Leader of the House agree that that figure, and some of the others that he has given today, show that the time is ripe for a conciliatory move by him towards hon. Members by allowing a debate and a vote on parliamentary allowances and facilities in the House?

Mr. Biffen

I thought that, though monosyllabic, my response to the hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clwyd) was conciliatory.