HC Deb 09 November 1992 vol 213 c622
39. Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement on the work of the Finance and Services Committee.

40. Mr. John Greenway

To ask the Lord President of the Council when he expects the Finance and Services Committee to make progress on implementation of the Ibbs report.

Mr. Newton

The Finance and Services Committee h as not yet been nominated.

Mr. Thurnham

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is high time that the constitution and operation of that Committee was sorted out? Everyone outside the House has been expected to tighten their belts and operate more efficiently. Surely that should also apply to us in this place.

Mr. Newton

I certainly hope that it will be possible to complete the discussions associated with that matter in a way which will enable progress to be made before too long. However, I would not want my hon. Friend to think that the fact that the Committee has not yet been nominated in any way diminishes the drive by the House of Commons Commission and by the Select Committees on Accommodation and Works, on Administration and on Catering in pursuing vigorously their endeavours to improve the efficiency with which the resources available to the House are used.

Mr. John Greenway

I understand that it will be a duty of the Committee when it is established to consider the extent to which the parliamentary channel should be available around the Palace of Westminster. My right hon. Friend will know that many of us still occupy offices which are a good five or six minutes walk away from the Chamber. I appreciate the point that we keep fit by walking to and fro, particularly when there are many Divisions, but it would be helpful if the parliamentary channel were available, not necessarily in every hon. Member's office, but in certain selected rooms around this place.

Mr. Newton

I am not sure that my hon. Friend is right in thinking that it is primarily a matter for the Finance arid Services Committee. As Chairman of the Broadcasting Committee, and from my knowledge of the work being done both by the Accommodation and Works Committee and by the Information Committee, I can assure my hon. Friend that we are all aware of the desirability of reaching conclusions on matters of the kind that he has in mind.