asked the Minister of Works for what purpose some 5,000 feet super of accommodation in Fanum House, New Coventry Street, London, W.1, has been held under requisition but unused for four months despite repeated requests of owners for its release.

The vacant space was retained to accommodate the British Commonwealth Scientific Office, for which no other suitable accommodation could be found, but alternative premises have now been obtained and the major part of the vacant space is being released to the owners. The remainder is required for Admiralty staffs who will shortly be taking occupation.

As there has already been such a long delay, can the right hon. Gentleman say when this vacant space will be released to the owners?

I think fairly quickly.

asked the Minister of Works if, in view of the continuing public interest in the proceedings of Parliament and the large numbers of people seeking access to the galleries of the House, he will consider the possibility of erecting temporary additional galleries during the Recess at the south end of the present Chamber.

The work involved in constructing temporary galleries would be considerable and there would not be time to carry it out during the Recess. In order to do so it would have been necessary to have all the preparatory work completed so that operations could start as soon as the House adjourned. Moreover, such an erection would provide only a limited number of additional seats and would greatly detract from the amenities of the Chamber.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the enormous amount of time spent by hon. Members sitting in a queue awaiting tickets for their constituents and others, and will he consult with the authorities of the House to see if there is any way of easing this position?

I am prepared to give due consideration to methods to deal with the matter but the suggestion put forward is not one that would be welcome to the House generally.

In view of the enormous crowds that wait patiently outside, would my right hon. Friend consider cutting through tradition and red tape and making available these galleries which lie vacant about 95 per cent. of the time? Could they not be available to the public if not claimed by 4.30 p.m., or some such time?

It does not lie with me to make that decision.