asked the Minister of Public Building and Works why he is not making use of the top storey of No. 1, Bridge Street.

This is poor quality attic accommodation; some of the rooms have bad natural lighting, heating is inadequate, access is difficult and the lift is often unpredictable. I could not justify the considerable expense of renovating this accommodation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some hon. Gentlemen and hon. Ladies are prepared to walk if the lift is out of order? This is a valuable site. Does he not agree that all these rooms need is a lick of paint, and that many a Parliamentary organisation would like the use of these rooms?

I think the hon. Gentleman understates the matter. I do not want any more casualties or by-elections than can possibly be helped as a result of running up and down those four flights of stairs. I have got some sympathy for hon. Members opposite. These are five attic rooms two of which, including the biggest, have very poor natural light. It would cost at least £2,000 to carry out these works, and I hardly think the end-result is worth that.

Would it really cost £2,000 for a lick of paint in these rooms?

The hon. Gentleman is easily satisfied. I have in mind rather better accommodation than he seems to envisage. If we just carried out the minor repairs that he has in mind, I would spend all my time at the Box apologising for my Department. I am rather proud of it.