SEATING CAPACITY IN PARLIAMENT CHAMBER

Haji Rahmat Bin Kenap asked the Minister for Law and the Environment whether it has been noted that, with the increase in the membership of Parliament at each general election held since 1965 and the likelihood of further increases in future elections, the available seats in the Parliament Chamber will be insufficient and if there are any plans to increase the seating capacity in the Chamber or to seat Parliament in a larger building.

The Minister for Law and the Environment (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, at present the number of seats in this Chamber is more than sufficient for our 69 Members. There are ii empty seats in the front row opposite and three more behind it. That makes 14 seats, so there is no need for any plans to increase the seating capacity of the House or to remove Parliament to some other building. That would be a pity.