HC Deb 17 February 1986 vol 92 cc15-6
45. Mr. Dormand

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the progress made in improving office accommodation for hon. Members.

Mr. Biffen

Substantial improvements depend on the completion of phase 1 of the new parliamentary building, which is scheduled for 1990. In addition, the Services Committee has recently published proposals for the use of the former Cannon Row police station, which it is hoped will be ready for parliamentary use by October 1987.

Mr. Dormand

Will the building programme remain within the timetable that has been set for it?

Mr. Biffen

I understand that phase 1 of the programme is on time.

Mr. Marlow

Does my right hon. Friend accept that many hon. Members believe that nothing could be more damaging to the work of this House than for hon. Members to lock themselves away all the time in brand new executive-style offices?

Mr. Biffen

It would depend on which hon. Members.

Mr. Frank Cook

As Cannon Row police station has been judged to be unacceptable for the accommodation of police constables, what kind of budget has been allocated to making it worthy of accommodating hon. Members?

Mr. Biffen

Not quite sufficient to make it suitable for the accommodation of secretaries.