A Labour MP has complained that government cars are responsible for "unnecessary CO2 emissions" while waiting to pick up ministers.
Rob Marris (Lab, Wolverhampton, South-West) made his "annual plea" to leader of the House Harriet Harman to act.
"Covered bicycle racks in the courtyard outside the Members' Cloakroom have been removed and replaced with parking for ministers' cars," he said yesterday during business questions.
"All winter, ministers' lovely hybrid cars have frequently been parked in the courtyard outside your house, Mr Speaker, with their petrol engines running, presumably to keep the chauffeurs warm.
"May I make my annual plea to the Leader of the House for the provision of a warm room in which chauffeurs can wait, to avoid these unnecessary CO2 emissions?"
Harman replied that he should take the matter up with transport ministers when they answer questions next Monday.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd