asked the Lord Privy Seal what representations the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) has received on the railings in Westminster Hall; and if he will make a statement.

The hon. and learned Member addressed a question to me on this matter on 25 June last year, and I refer him to the reply that I gave on that occasion. Neither I nor the Services Committee have received any other recent representations on this subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the once temporary railings in Westminster Hall should not be there, that they are ugly, inexpensive and unpleasant, and that they spoil one of the most beautiful buildings in this country? Even if other people seem not to have noticed this, will the Services Committee at least consider replacing the railings with others that are more sightly?

I could not accept any of those strictures. All these are matters of aesthetic taste, and I would back my taste against that of the hon. and learned Gentleman any day. As he asked that the matter be referred to the Services Committee, I shall do so and point out that he is unique in making his complaint, and that money spent on this is money that cannot readily be spent elsewhere.