Scottish Assembly Building

HC Deb 22 January 1982 vol 16 cc201-2W

Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why political parties are barred from using the former Scottish Assembly building for meetings, conferences, seminars and other meetings.

Mr. Heseltine

It is the long standing policy of Government Departments that Government premises should not be used by political parties or other organisations whose interests are primarily of a political nature. The former Scottish Assembly building, as part of the Government estate, is therefore not available to such bodies. An exception to this policy can be made where Members of the House who are engaged on parliamentary business may seek the use of accommodation for party consultations in connection with that business. This exception applies to Members in the Palace of Westminster.