§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the running costs of the House are on(a) sitting and (b) non-sitting Fridays. [126324]
§ Mr. Kirkwood[holding answer 19 June 2000]It is not possible to distinguish running costs between sitting and non-sitting days because staff salaries are computed on an annual basis. Overtime figures for normal working days vary as a result of the unpredictability of adjournments; they are minimised wherever possible.
Heating, power and other services costs are substantially unaffected by a non-sitting Friday as normal departmental activities still have to be carried out. It is not practicable to calculate the small volume savings associated with the absence of Members, which in any case will be partly compensated for by increased visitor requirements.