§ Mr. Bishopasked the Lord President of the Council how many staff are expected to occupy the new parliamentary 27W building; why only limited consultations took place, and what these constituted; whether members of staff will be expected to work underground or in conditions without natural lighting; if he will consider representations regarding the provision of creches, nurseries and other facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorAt present it is estimated that about 130 staff will occupy the new parliamentary building. Some consultations were held with user departments which were asked to submit estimates of the accommodation required, but it is the intention to consult more widely with those concerned, including the staff assotion. The degree of natural lighting and other features which are a consequence of the elimination of the ground floor in the winning design will be a matter for urgent consultations with the architects.