HC Deb 10 March 1992 vol 205 c504W
Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee (1) what progress has been made in implementing the 1987 recommendation of the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee in favour of a day nursery in the Palace of Westminster; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what provision will be made for a day nursery for children of hon. Members and staff in the new parliamentary buildings; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Orme

Further progress towards the establishment of child care facilities in the parliamentary estate are dependent in the first instance on suitable accommodation being found. In its recent report on the phase 2 sketch plan, the Accommodation and Works Committee advised that, in common with certain other facilities, it had not been possible to include a creche in plans for the new building. The Committee was confident, however, that more appropriately located space could be found elsewhere in the parliamentary estate without undue delay. The Commission is understood to have invited the Accommodation and Works Committee to continue its search for appropriate space; and until that has been done the Administration Committee is unable to take the matter further. In the meantime, the Establishments Office continues to arrange for Members and staff to be informed of suitable offers of day care facilities elsewhere.