CHILDCARE IN THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Early day motion 1556A1, tabled 20 July 1998 by Marion Roe (Conservative). Signed by 4 members.

leave out from 'Committee' to end and add 'and notes that of 2344 valid responses, only 290 respondents were interested in using a nursery or creche at the House; further notes that only five per cent. of those respondents were prepared to pay the full cost of a place in the Westminster area: agrees with the Committee that it would be unacceptable to expect the taxpayers of the United Kingdom to subsidise an on-site facility for honourable Members and staff; further notes that, of the options under consideration, an extension to the childcare voucher scheme would be used by the most staff, and that two-thirds of staff based outside Westminster would prefer childcare facilities to be provided close to their home rather than at Westminster: notes that the House of Commons Commission has accepted the Committee's recommendation, and that the value of childcare vouchers available to staff of the House has been raised to the level applicable to staff of the house of Lords; and notes that honourable Members may use their Office Costs Allowance to provide for childcare for their staff.'.

Signatures by party: Conservative 3, UUP 1.