§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Lord President of the Council what is his rough estimate of the cost falling on public funds in respect of one hour of sitting after midnight by the House of Commons; and what are the main components in that cost.
§ Mr. FootA very rough estimate based on annual figures is £500. This is comprised of some £480 for overtime pay and £20 for heating and lighting, etc. The overtime figure covers payments to staff of the House of Commons departments, lift and maintenance staff of the Department of the Environment and the police; it does not cover staff of the Refreshment Department and the Post Office.