Orders of the Day — House of Commons (Administration) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 12 April 1978.

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Photo of Mr William Price Mr William Price , Rugby 12:00, 12 April 1978

And the Press. If we could persuade Fleet Street to look at the matter more objectively than it does, we should do the House a service.

The right hon. Gentleman asked about travel expenses for Select Committees. I understand that they will come under the heading of "any other expenses" and within the scope of the Commission's estimates.

The right hon. Gentleman raised the important matter of pensions of House staff. The provisions of Clause 2(3), apart from the point dealt with in note 4, provide that the House can carry on with its present pension arrangements unaltered. In other words, they continue to apply the provisions of the principal Civil Service pension scheme, as it is from time to time amended, to House of Commons staff. The Bill, nevertheless, embodies the concept of a separate pension scheme for House employees. Whilst the House scheme is, in effect, a principal Civil Service pension scheme, the two are formally separate. This removes any suggestion that House employees are civil servants for this purpose. I find that slightly complicated myself, but if there is any doubt about what is meant I should be only too happy to offer written clarification to anybody who seeks it.

The right hon. Gentleman finally referred to the maintenance and development of parliamentary buildings. Again, at this stage it is intended that the present position of the Secretary of State for the Environment with regard to his responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric and upkeep of parliamentary buildings should not be altered. But I accept the fact that the right hon. Gentleman was developing a wider argument about services and facilities generally. I have no doubt that the Commission will consider this issue in due course.

The hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Smith) raised, for the second time, the question of minority representation. I can get into enough trouble without giving him that assurance. I cannot offer a total commitment, but I have no doubt that full account will be taken of the case that he has made out and of the proposal of the Bottomley Committee, and we shall look at his specific recommendation.

I now deal with the matter raised by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey (Mr. Mellish).