§ 83. Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Lord President of the Council when he expects offices to become available for hon. Members' use in the new parliamentary building.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe latest forecast is that hon. Members and their staff will be able to occupy the offices on their return from the 1991 summer Adjournment.
§ Mr. BanksI think that I will still be here.
May I, through the right hon. and learned Gentleman, compliment the architect and the workers who have constructed a most agreeable building on the other side of the road? I think that it will be a good example to other architects in London. As I believe in honesty and in open government, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give me an assurance that I will have an office in that building?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI cannot offer any long-term assurances on the hon. Gentleman's electoral position in the House.
§ Sir John StokesIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that in the 20 years that I have been here there have been extensive improvements in office accommodation, but I have noticed no improvements in parliamentary performance? I wonder whether more offices will lead to the Chamber and, above all, the Smoking Room being emptier.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI understand that hon. Members have different views about the importance of office accommodation. I note what my hon. Friend says.