HOUSE CHILDCARE FACILITIES

Early day motion 603, tabled 18 December 2001 by Jackie Lawrence (Labour). Signed by 9 members.

That this House sympathises with those honourable Member mothers who seek better child-care facilities in the Palace of Westminster, but rejects moves to permit breastfeeding of children in the House of Commons Chamber or committee rooms as being an unsuitable environment for small children; calls upon the House authorities to establish creche facilities in the Palace of Westminster to serve the needs of both honourable Members and staff of the Palace of Westminster; acknowledges that it is impossible for nursing women who are employed as bank clerks, police officers, barristers, supermarket checkout assistants or in many other occupations to breastfeed whilst at their post; and calls upon colleagues in the House to recognise that this principle also applies to honourable Members working in either the Chamber or in committee.

Signatures by party: Labour 4, Conservative 2, Labour/Co-operative 2, UUP 1.