§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the hon. Member for Berwick upon Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, when the grade ¾ security officers employed at the Palace of Westminster will receive their 1988 pay award.
§ Mr. BeithThe House of Commons Commission has no responsibility for determining the salaries of security officers employed at the Palace of Westminster, whose services are provided by the Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police. The House's contribution to the cost of the service is, however, carried on sub-head A9 of the Vote for House of Commons: Administration, the Estimate for which is approved by the Commission. I understand that a settlement of the security officers' 1988 pay award is now in prospect, and I have asked the responsible authority to write to the hon. Gentleman to explain the position.