HC Deb 09 February 1987 vol 110 cc16-7
27. Mr. Greenway

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many offices in the Palace of Westminster are allocated (a) to hon. Members, (b) to hon. Members' secretaries, (c) to parliamentary staff and (d) others; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Biffen

The current distribution within that part of the Palace of Westminster allocated to the House of Commons is: hon. Members 273 offices, with 55 desks for hon. Members' secretaries on the lower ground floor; parliamentary staff 91 offices, and other organisations 31 offices.

Mr. Greenway

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the offices of some hon. Members are so far away that they have to open their mail in the corridors or while sitting on the floor? That happens sometimes because there are so many people occupying the seats. That is distressing. Does he think that it would be helpful to hon. Members from different parties if their secretaries were not in the same room? Does he think that the secretaries of Members from only one party should occupy a room? Would that be helpful?

Mr. Biffen

As to the first part of the question, that is certainly going down memory lane. That is just what I did more than 20 years ago and I do not think that my mail suffered thereby. As to my hon. Friend's second point, I believe that the authorities do their utmost to accommodate those hon. Members who want their secretaries to be in rooms occupied only by those of similar party affiliation. Some hon. Members favour a different system. I believe that, on the whole, we cater for the varying tastes in this matter.

Mr. Heffer

Hear, hear. My wife is with two Tories and she is quite happy.

Mr. Biffen

I shall take that as wholly unsolicited testimony to the virtue of Conservative Members.

Mr. Simon Hughes

What is the latest target date for the opening of the next set of offices which are being constructed on the site next to the Palace?

Mr. Biffen

About 30 secretaries are expected to be housed in I Cannon Row, which should be available in 1988. As the hon. Gentleman may appreciate, and as has been frequently stated, it is hoped that phase 1 of the Bridge street site, which will provide accommodation for 60 Members of Parliament and 100 secretaries, will be completed in 1990.

Mr. Favell

Is my right hon. Friend able to say how many bedrooms there are in the Palace, the use to which they are put and how often they are used?

Mr. Biffen

I am not able to answer that question without notice. I think that that is a question that merits being considered in its own right.