HC Deb 06 March 1978 vol 945 cc496-7W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord President of the Council how many secretaries and research assistants, working within the House or elsewhere, are employed by Members of Parliament.

Mr. Foot

No complete statistics are available, but accommodation is provided within the Palace and its precincts for about 350 Members' secretaries and research assistants. There are 150 Members' research assistants who have access to the main Library of the House

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord President of the Council what information is available to him of any organisation which now exists for the representation of the interests of Members' secretaries; and if any special facilities are accorded to it.

Mr. Foot

The Secretaries and Assistants Council represents a considerable number of Members' secretaries and research assistants. I have met representatives of the Council and have taken account of their views. The Council has also been able to put forward evidence to Select Committees of the House in matters affecting their membership.