HC Deb 13 February 1978 vol 944 cc26-7W
Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Lord President of the Council which members of the staff of the Palace of Westminster have the right to walk through Members' desk rooms; who, other than hon. Members, have the right to use the corridor and stairs leading from the Members' Entrance to the Members' Lobby and the Corridors leading from the Members' Lobby to the Library and Smoking Room; who, other than hon. Members, have the right to use the Library and its facilities; and whether he is satisfied with the security of Members' desks and filing cabinets.

Mr. Foot

Staff on duty are required to visit Members' Desk Rooms from time to time. The Members' Staircase may be used only by Members and Peers. The Members' Corridor may be used by Members, Peers, those who have offices in the Star Chamber Court building, officials visiting the Liberal Party Rooms above the Cloisters, and staff on duty. The old Ways and Means Corridor may be used by Members, Peers, staff of the Whips' Offices, Lobby Journalists and staff on duty. Members' secretaries and research assistants may use the Library Corridor to collect material set aside for them from the entrance to the Library. Apart from Members and Officers of the House, a restricted number of research assistants may use the Library at certain specified hours on certain days.

In the interests of security, Members are strongly advised to keep their desks and filing cabinets locked when they are absent from their rooms.