HC Deb 18 July 1972 vol 841 cc102-3W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Lord President of the Council what is to be the future of the annex to the Strangers' Dining Room; and what consultation he has had with Members.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

It is proposed to convert the annexe to the Strangers' Dining Room into a lounge in which drinks can be obtained. The Services Committee of last Session agreed to this proposal.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Lord President of the Council what are the regulations governing guests in the Strangers' Dining Room.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

The Strangers' Dining Room may be used by Members and Officers of the House of Commons and Members of the House of Lords who are former Members of the Commons.

Up to three guests may be entertained, but Members must not leave their guests unaccompanied for any significant length of time.

In addition the following Strangers are permitted to use the Strangers' Dining Room: Law Officers, if not Members of the House of Commons, who are permitted to be accompanied by one guest. Cabinet Ministers' Principal Private Secretaries. Parliamentary Counsel. Any Official from a Government Department whose name is on the Official Gallery List for that day. Members and Officers of Commonwealth Legislatures (including associate members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association), on presentation of the white card signed by Mr. Speaker and the Serjeant at Arms. Government Chief Whip's Secretary. Opposition Chief Whip's Secretary. Secretary, Parliamentary Labour Party. City Remembrancer when attending the House on official business. Surveyor, Houses of Parliament. Resident Engineer, Houses of Parliament. Secretary-General, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Secretary, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (United Kingdom Branch). Secretary, British Group, Inter-Parliamentary Union (with permission to entertain guests, not exceeding three in number, of the IPU from foreign legislatures). Gentlemen-Usher of the Black Rod. Catering Manager. Those persons appointed to assist Select Committees for the duration of a Session whose names have been notified to the Serjeant at Arms.