Day Nursery in House of Commons
11th March 2010
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown questions the cost of establishing a day nursery in the House of Commons epecially since the chosen location has only been recently refurbished.
Mr. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold) (Con): What recent progress has been made on the establishment of a day nursery in the House. [321524]
Nick Harvey (North Devon): My apologies, Mr. Speaker, as I think I may have caused the confusion.
Following the Commission's decision to establish a nursery, a project board has been established and good progress is being made on drawing up the specifications.
Mr. Clifton-Brown: Apologies for that slight slip, Mr. Speaker.
This important issue has not suddenly arisen before the House. I believe that the process so far has been unacceptable and undemocratic. Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that £400,000 has recently been spent on refurbishing Bellamy's bar, and that this proposal will cost an additional £400,000? Will he confirm whether that has been included in the House budget estimates for this financial year? Will he confirm whether the Finance and Services Committee-
Mr. Speaker: Order. [Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman will resume his seat. At Question Time, a Member asks one question, with a modest preamble, which the hon. Gentleman has already had. He has asked his question; he must now listen to the answer.
Nick Harvey: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The recent refurbishment in Bellamy's involves a significant amount of work and furnishing that can be reused-certainly about a third of the cost can be used directly. The hon. Gentleman says that this has come about swiftly, but I would point out that there have been constant surveys of the need for child care provision here, and the decision has been taken to move swiftly with this project so that the option is available to new Members as early as possible in the new Parliament to take up this facility if they need it.