§ Sir Anthony Grantasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the numbers of individuals who were working in the Palace of Westminster and associated buildings in 1970, 1975 and 1980; and how many of those were hon. Members, peers, secretaries, research assistants, Officers of either House and employees of either House.
§ Mr. BiffenThe table gives the information requested in respect of Peers, Members, and Officers and employees of either House. Central records are not held for the other categories mentioned in my hon. Friend's question.
1970 1975 1980 House of Lords Peers* 770 841 914 (Daily average attendance of peers) (225) (262) (290) Officers and staff 184 234 263 House of Commons Members 625 635 635 Officers and staff 407 545 †860 * Excluding peers without writs or summons or on leave of absence. † Includes 235 staff of the Refreshment Department, which became a Department of the House on 1 April 1980. In 1970 and 1975 the number of staff working in the Refreshment Department was approximately 185.