§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Lord Privy Seal on what date the new telephone answering system in the House became fully operational; what was the date of the 27W first complaint notified to him; how many complaints he has now received; on what date he referred this issue to the Services Committee; on what date that Committee or its relevant Sub-Committee first formally discussed this issue; whether the issue was discussed by the Committee or Sub-Committee during the summer recess, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BiffenThe new telephone answering service was introduced on 5 April. The matter was first raised with me on 14 April. Since then, I have received complaints from eight hon. Members. The subject was included on the agenda of a meeting of the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee on 10 May, but the Sub-Committee decided that in view of the imminent dissolution of Parliament the subject should be considered at an early date once the Sub-Committee had been reconvened in the new Parliament. The subject was discussed at the Sub-Committee's first meeting on 31 October. The recommendations of the Sub-Committee will now be considered by the Services Committee at its next meeting in December.