HC Deb 11 March 1985 vol 75 c76W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many British or foreign nationals are engaged as research assistants in the House of Commons and operate from right hon. and hon. Members' offices in Upper Committee Corridor North; and, of this number, how many receive salaries from the Fees Office.

Mr. Biffen

A total of 444 photo-identity passes are currently on issue to Members' research assistants in the House of Commons. Twenty-three Members with offices in Upper Committee Corridor North have research assistants, of whom five are foreign nationals; but no information is available to indicate how many operate from those offices.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many foreign nationals are engaged in research assistant duties for right hon. and hon. Members in the House of Commons; and how many are paid salaries by the Fees Office.

Mr. Biffen

A total of 109 photo-identity passes are currently on issue to foreign nationals who are engaged as research assistants to Members. Of these five are paid a salary and one fees by the Fees Office.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Lord Privy Seal what control at present exists in the issue of House of Commons access passes to foreign nationals who are engaged by right hon. and hon. Members as research assistants.

Mr. Biffen

I refer my hon. Friend to the recently published Second Report from the House of Commons (Services) Committee, Session 1984–85, "Members' Staff: Pressure on Accommodation and Facilities" which describes the existing arrangements and also recommends the introduction of certain additional controls.

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