HC Deb 05 July 1982 vol 27 cc46-7W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what funds have been allocated in 1982–83 for increasing or improving the accommodation of hon. Members and their staff in or near the Palace of Westminster.

Sir George Young

There is no provision in the 1982–83 Estimates for increasing the accommodation available to hon. Members or their staff, except for the conversion, at a cost of about £700, of one room in a hut on the roof of the Palace of Westminster into an office.

Minor improvements, such as redecoration, will be made in some of the accommodation, but no specific sum is allocated, within the overall provision for maintenance, for these particular areas.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the amount of floor space outside the Palace of Westminster, but near to it, currently available for use by hon. Members, and their staff, excluding that for Ministers and their staff;

(2) what percentage of the usable floor space within the Palace of Westminster, excluding corridors, staircases, and so on, is allocated for the personal use of hon. Members;

(3) what percentage of the usable floor space within the Palace of Westminster, excluding corridors, stairs, and so on, is allocated for the use by secretaries and research assistants of hon. Members.

Sir George Young

This information is not available and could be obtained only as disproportionate cost.