Question

To ask the Chairman of Committees who sanctioned the change of use of the Peers' TV Room and whether it is envisaged that an alternative facility will be made available to members.

The Accommodation Steering Group (comprising the Chairman of Committees, Government Chief Whip, Opposition Accommodation Whip, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip and Convenor of the Crossbench Peers) decided in July that that the Peers’ TV Room (on the Committee Corridor) should be converted into additional hot-desk space, initially for use by new Members. That decision was reported to the Administration and Works Committee, and was recorded in Red Benches and the Committee’s published minutes.

There are no plans to provide an alternative facility. I feel sure that Noble Lords will agree that limited space must be used efficiently to enable the House and its members to carry out their parliamentary functions effectively.