Access to Period Products

Mary Kelly Foy, the Labour MP for the City of Durham, asked the Government whether the Commission is taking steps to increase access to period products on the parliamentary estate. In response, Nick Smith, the Labour MP for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, stated that the House of Commons Administration is committed to providing period products for emergency use, which are available free of charge in selected toilets across the parliamentary estate. He emphasized that no one should be put in an uncomfortable situation due to a lack of access to these essential items. Mary Kelly Foy followed up, acknowledging that while there are a few places around the parliamentary estate where free period products can be accessed, more places are required, and the provision should not be limited to the main estate but should also include constituency offices around the country. She stressed that free period products in the workplace are essential items, but in far too many places, they are seen as optional. Nick Smith acknowledged Mary Kelly Foy's point and stated that the House service was asked a year ago to provide period products for emergency use. He also mentioned that the Administration Committee engages with groups, such as the workplace equality networks, to ensure accessible products throughout the House. Regarding constituency offices, Smith said that as Members of Parliament, they are responsible for their staff, and away from the parliamentary estate, he would expect a Member, as an employer, to decide on what provision to arrange for their teams. However, he promised to take the point back to the Administration Committee for further consideration of take-up and distribution, and to contact Mary Kelly Foy in due course on the matter.