§ 42. Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Lord President of the Council what has been the number of sitting days in the Commons for the Session 1993–94.
§ Mr. NewtonThe number of sitting days in 1993–94 was 154.
§ Mr. SkinnerSet against the background that most people who have a job outside this place probably work more than 220 days in a given year, why should Members of Parliament discuss later today a four-day week for themselves? If we could argue for a four-day week for all those workers outside, we could mop up the 4 million people on the dole. Let us get our priorities right and look after our constituents, not ourselves.
§ Mr. NewtonWe seem to have moved a long way from the Christmas spirit that was shown when the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) spoke. My answer is not very different from what I have said to the hon. Gentleman before: he may have his way of working—that is a matter for him—but others have theirs, 1396 which includes doing an enormous amount away from Westminster. Most Members of Parliament work a six or seven-day week.