§ 37. Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, what representations he has received urging the provision of additional funds for providing facilities for visitors to the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. BeithNone, since I last answered oral questions on this issue on 21 February, although early-day motion 793 has been drawn to my attention.
§ Mr. BanksThe right hon. Gentleman is clearly seized of the fact that there is considerable concern in all parts of the House about the appalling facilities that we provide for our visitors. We call them "Strangers", not visitors, and we keep them standing outside in the most inclement weather. We treat them abysmally. This legislature is probably the worst in Europe in its treatment of visitors. When will something be done about the lack of facilities?
§ Mr. BeithThe hon. Gentleman must address his concern to the Committees that deal with these matters. Some of the problems about which he is concerned are addressed in the Catering Committee's report to which I referred earlier and which I expect to be debated in the House in due course.