§ 28. Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission what progress has been made in the provision of child care facilities in the Palace of Westminster.
§ Mr. A. J. Beith (on behalf of the House of Commons Commission)The Commission has arranged for a survey of potential demand for child care provision to be made available in the Vote Office. The Commission wishes to hear the views of Members and I understand that consideration is now being given to the timing of a debate on the matter.
§ Dr. JonesI thank the right hon. Gentleman for allowing the publication of that report, which clearly shows that there is a demand for affordable child care facilities. I hope that, following the debate, progress will be made as quickly as possible. When I first came to this place, my youngest son was only two years old. Now he is nearly five. What is holding matters up? If the answer is finance, perhaps we could consider reducing subsidies to the bars so that money can be made available for this very important facility.
§ Mr. BeithThe normal way in which new or extended services are provided in the House is when the relevant Committee puts forward a proposal and the Finance and Services Committee and then the Commission consider whether it can be financed. That route is not being followed in this instance because the relevant Committee did not agree to the provision of such a service. The matter will therefore be debated in the House and the Commission will consider what to do following that debate.
§ Mr. DykesDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that we should improve facilities urgently for the long-suffering wives and husbands of Members of Parliament?
§ Mr. BeithThe hon. Gentleman has not made any specific suggestions, but if he has some I hope that he will put them to the relevant service Committees of the House.