CHILDCARE IN THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

That this House welcomes the survey conducted by the Administration Committee as an important start to addressing the need for help with childcare for staff working in the Palace of Westminster; welcomes the support for a variety of measures to support family life expressed by respondents; regrets the decision of the Administration Committee to turn down dedicated local nursery and creche facilities for people who work in the Palace of Westminster; notes that this is despite proven demand from staff for such facilities demonstrated in two independent surveys; further notes the contribution such facilities make not only to equal opportunities and family friendly employment practices but also to attracting and retaining experienced and skilled staff to the benefit of both Parliament and the public; recognises the need for further discussion following the report; and calls upon the Administration Committee to take evidence from interested parties on practical solutions to the demand for childcare expressed in the survey.