Letter from John Austin MP
I note that the closing date for responses to
the consultation questionnaire circulated by the Leader of the
House is tomorrow. As this was circulated just prior to the Christmas
Recess, I suspect that many Members may have overlooked it and
you might get a more representative response if you were to send
out a reminder with an extension of the time for response.
I do wish to respond, however, to one particular
section on behalf of the IPU. Whilst I think most Members would
agree in principle to the creation of an educational centre, there
is no indication where this is likely to be situated. You will
recall that there was widespread opposition from Members to any
suggestion that it should be located in Westminster Hall or that
it should result in relocation of the IPU, CPA or W Rooms.
These objections were accepted by the Administration
Committee and the Commission and I trust this is not an attempt
to reopen the issue by the back door.
Personally, I would strongly support the concept
of a Centre for visitors but it should be located at the commencement
of any tour, ie at the House of Lords end of the building so that
visitors could learn about Westminster before they embark on the
tour, and they could end at Westminster Hall for the Souvenir
Shop and Jubilee Café.
Whilst an education and information centre for
visitors is important, the prime function of the building is to
provide services and facilities for Parliament and Parliamentarians.
The work of the IPU and CPA are important elements of Parliament
and at present the CPA and IPU Rooms are ideally located and should
remain in Westminster Hall.
Chairman British Group IPU
January 2004
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