HC Deb 21 October 1991 vol 196 cc631-2
33. Mr. Janner

To ask the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, what steps the new Director of Works will take to improve staff toilet and changing room facilities.

Mr. A. J. Beith (on behalf of the House of Commons Commission)

The Director of Works, who is a member of the department of the Serjeant at Arms, took up his post in July, but he will not become directly responsible for the parliamentary works programme until it is transferred to the Commission from the Department of the Environment next April. In the meantime, I will ensure that any concerns that the hon. and learned Gentleman has are made known to the relevant authorities.

Mr. Janner

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that many of the facilities for staff members in this Palace are wholly unworthy and in many cases disgusting? Is he aware, for example, that the waiting staff changing rooms have been moved to the former office of the right hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown), the leader of his party, who I understand has moved out? None the less, there is no security and nowhere for the staff to lock away their clothes. They are not even allowed to have keys to the door. Will the hon. Gentleman look into the matter and try to arrange for our staff to have the facilities to which they would be entitled anywhere else?

Mr. Beith

The Commission is well aware of the need. New changing and rest facilities have been made available at No. 1 Parliament street, where those criticisms will not apply. I will look at the specific points raised by the hon. and learned Gentleman and ensure that they are brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

Mr. Dickens

Does the hon. Gentleman feel that if the toilet facilities in the House of Commons are sufficient for the hundreds of people who visit the House of Commons each day, they should by the same token be sufficient for the staff who work in the building?

Mr. Beith

Those matters do not fall within the responsibility of the Commission until the transfer of the works next April. It will be our intention that there should be adequate and excellent facilities for staff members and visitors.