§ Mr. McEnteeasked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is proposed to extend the decorative and lighting improvements which have just been completed in some of the dining rooms and kitchen to the remaining dining rooms and kitchen, and to other parts of the House; will he make a statement as to the extent of the work it is proposed to carry out and the parts of the building where similar improvements are to be made; and whether it is proposed to provide more adequate lounge and light refreshment accommodation for visiting friends of Members?
§ Sir P. SassoonThe structural and other alterations made in part of the dining-room accommodation carry out the main recommendations of the Joint Committee which recently considered the refreshment facilities in the Houses of Parliament. The possibility of further improvements elsewhere in lighting and decoration will be kept under review in connection with the preparation of estimates for next financial year. As regards the last part of the question, the possibility of providing additional lounge and refreshment accommodation can only be considered, as the hon. Member will recognise, in the light of the limited amount of space available, and also, it must be added, in relation to finance.