§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make an assessment of the effect of changes to the sitting hours of the House on the working conditions and remuneration of servants thereof. [77435]
§ Mr. KirkwoodAs the financial and employing authority of the House, the Commission has been giving careful consideration to the possible effects of these proposals. The extent of the changes will depend on the decisions of the House on motions which are to be debated tomorrow. In turn, the effects of the changes will be determined by how the House, Committees and Members adapt to any new arrangements: for example, in the sitting times of Select Committees and the use of Library and catering facilities. The Commission is 649W mindful of its obligations as an employer, and has already asked the Board of Management to assess effects on staff as any changes come into force.