§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Lord President of the Council what action he intends to take to improve the secretarial facilities for hon. Members.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweIn the context of planning for the new parliamentary buildings several initiatives have been taken to improve conditions for Members' secretaries. Further accommodation has been provided in Canon row; 100 new desk spaces are planned for phase 1; more will be included in phase 2; and, in the Services Committee's third report of this Session (HC 334) recommendations are made to establish basic minimum standards in respect of planning for future accommodation.
Any proposal to increase the secretarial allowance is a matter for the House to decide.