HC Deb 21 October 1991 vol 196 cc636-7
41. Mr. Simon Coombs

To ask the Lord President of the Council what is his estimate of the number of people who toured the Palace of Westminster last year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. MacGregor

I am advised that in 1990 the estimated total number of visitors to the Palace of Westminster in Members' parties was 112,265. In addition, 6,720 schoolchildren took part in tours as part of the autumn visits programme organised by the education unit.

Mr. Coombs

Has my right hon. Friend had an opportunity to consider the point that I raised with him in the summer—that greater encouragement should be given to allowing people who are not connected with Members of Parliament to visit the Palace during the summer recess?

Mr. MacGregor

I indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend during the summer some of the difficulties involved, particularly those of a security nature, and the various hoops that would have to be gone through The position has not changed.

Mr. Cryer

Will the Leader of the House do something about a point of order that I raised before the summer recess? I refer to the provision of a room in which disabled visitors to the House can relax. When I took a party of blind students around the House, they were provided with absolutely no facilities at all. It is disgraceful that they cannot be taken anywhere for a cup of tea, they cannot be allowed to sit down anywhere, and there is no room for them. Groups of blind students have to be pushed to one side to allow rich pickings from the corporate entertainment in private dining rooms. It is about time that practice stopped and proper facilities were provided.

Mr. MacGregor

The whole House will be aware of the pressure on accommodation in the Palace. The hon.

Gentleman's point is for the successor to the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee to consider if he would like to put it to it.