Tea Room and Smoking Room (Newspapers)

HC Deb 07 December 1978 vol 959 cc725-6W

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Lord President of the Council how many copies of"The Times ","The Daily Telegraph ", and"The Guardian ", respectively, were provided daily in the Members' Tea Room and Smoking Room prior to 4th December; what changes have been made since that date; on whose authority; and whether he will now take steps to increase the availability of"The Guardian"in those rooms.

Mr. Foot:

Prior to 4th December provision of the three newspapers was as follows:

	Members Tea Room	Smoking Room
The Times	7	6
The Daily Telegraph	5	3
The Guardian	3	2

As a result of the recent suspension of publication of The Times, the Authorities of the House hoped to make the following provision:

	Members Tea Room	Smoking Room
The daily Telegraph	9	7
The Guardian	6	4

However, I am informed that the extra copies of The Guardian cannot be guaranteed. I regret that it is not, therefore, practicable to increase the order further.