HC Deb 27 June 1988 vol 136 cc17-8
32. Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

To ask the Lord President of the Council how many research assistants are currently registered as working for right hon. and hon. Members.

Mr. Wakeham

A total of 592 passes have been issued to all categories of research assistants. The Register of Members' Secretaries and Research Assistants records only those in possession of a photo-identity pass and who pursue any relevant gainful occupation other than that for which the pass is issued. It does not differentiate between secretaries and research assistants.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Does my right hon. Friend agree that there are too many research assistants cluttering up the place? Is he aware that some of them are simply parliamentary lobbyists getting their telephone calls on the cheap, while others are doing party political work which should be funded from outside the House? Now that the opposition parties have had a 70 per cent. pay rise, will my right hon. Friend conduct a cull of research assistants and ensure that their activities are restricted to genuine parliamentary work?

Mr. Wakeham

My hon. Friend will be aware of the resolution of the House on 10 November 1987 which charged the Services Committee to consider the control of access to the precincts of the House, and in particular whether the numbers of Members' personal staff with access to the House should be reduced. The Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee has now completed its inquiry and hopes to publish a report before the summer recess. We had better wait for that.

Mr. Tony Banks

May I tell the Lord President that the money that goes to Opposition parties does not work its way through to hard-working Back Benchers? Many of us rely very much on the excellent efforts and work that we get from our research assistants. I hope that the Lord President will disown those grossly insulting remarks made by the hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) and welcome the contribution to the efficient working of this place that research assistants provide.

Mr. Wakeham

I am delighted to hear the first part of the question. It would be grossly improper if the Short money did work its way through to Back Benchers, because the Opposition Front Bench and the leaders of all parties have to sign a certificate to say that it is not paid to Back Benchers, so we are in agreement on the first part of the question. I certainly recognise the contribution that secretaries and research assistants make to Parliament, but my hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) has a considerable point. Parliament will have to consider the numbers and whether access perhaps should be limited.

Mr. Fallon

How many research assistants are employed by the Leader of the Opposition? However many there are, should there not be more?

Mr. Wakeham

Perhaps one can have enough of a good thing.