§ 33. Mr. FabricantTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what provision has been made in 1993–94 for the building of further accommodation.
§ Mr. BeithA total of £10.5 million has been made available in 1993–94 to cover the remaining works at No. 7 Millbank and to continue the design work on phase 2 of the new parliamentary building.
§ Mr. FabricantWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, as well as the need for offices, we need rooms for meetings and other larger ones? Is it not extraordinary that hon. Members on both sides of the House have to traipse like stones to the bowels of the Treasury to donate blood?
§ Mr. BeithI am sure that the hon. Gentleman's journey across the road is well worth while and in the public interest. It illustrates the problems that we have in providing for a wide range of facilities in this building, as well as ensuring that hon. Members and their staff are adequately accommodated. That is why the Commission authorised the accommodation at 7 Millbank and why we are proceeding with work on the new parliamentary building.
§ Sir Nicholas FairbairnWhat has been the cost of the upkeep of this Palace, building and refurbishing offices, pampering the secretaries and providing ridiculous services, more of which—such as creches—have been suggested this afternoon? Why not have nannies and nurses as well? Will the right hon. Gentleman state the cost over the past 10 years of the appalling extravagances in which we expect the public not to indulge but which we have given to ourselves?