§ Mr. Corbynasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will take steps to ensure that the public visiting the Palace of Westminster (a) are able to queue under cover in Westminster Hall, (b) have full access for all types of disability and (c) can use refreshment facilities that do not require the presence of a Member.
§ Mr. Biffen(a) The Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee of the Services Committee recently reviewed access arrangements to the Palace of Westminster for visitors. In the course of this review the Sub-Committee considered the proposal that Westminster Hall should be used for queuing, but decided against any change in current arrangements; (b) disabled persons are able to visit the Palace of Westminster, and any special arrangements that may be necessary are made by the Serjeant at Arms' Office; (c) the pressure on refreshment facilities within the Palace of Westminster is such that I can foresee no relaxation of the present regulations whereby a Member may accompany two persons to the Strangers' Cafeteria and may take three persons to the Members' Cafeteria.