To ask the Lord President of the Council when he expects offices to become available for hon. Members' use in the new parliamentary building.

The latest forecast is that hon. Members and their staff will be able to occupy the offices on their return from the 1991 summer Adjournment.

I think that I will still be here.

May I, through the right hon. and learned Gentleman, compliment the architect and the workers who have constructed a most agreeable building on the other side of the road? I think that it will be a good example to other architects in London. As I believe in honesty and in open government, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give me an assurance that I will have an office in that building?

I cannot offer any long-term assurances on the hon. Gentleman's electoral position in the House.

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that in the 20 years that I have been here there have been extensive improvements in office accommodation, but I have noticed no improvements in parliamentary performance? I wonder whether more offices will lead to the Chamber and, above all, the Smoking Room being emptier.

I understand that hon. Members have different views about the importance of office accommodation. I note what my hon. Friend says.