§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Lord President of the Council what figures are available of the number of accidents and cases of onset of illness occurring in the Palace of Westminster; if he will recommend to the Services Committee that a manned first-aid room be opened; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Edward ShortDuring the last year 25 accidents and 14 cases of sickness have been reported to the police.
As my hon. Friend may know, there is a first-aid room next to the Members' Families' Waiting Room at the northwest corner of the Lower Waiting Hall just off the Central Lobby. All police constables are qualified in first-aid. Certain Members of Parliament who are qualified medical practitioners are, when in the precincts, normally available to help with emergencies. If an ambulance is required an emergency call should be made through the Security Control Centre, Extension 3333, which will also 19W inform the Police Room, giving the location of the casualty. Police will direct the ambulance to the appropriate gate. First-aid boxes are positioned in 18 different locations in the precincts and outbuildings, together with instructions regarding first-aid arrangements.