Commons' doorkeepers to learn customer care

Doorkeepers and other staff who attend to MPs at the House of Commons are to be given lessons in politeness and "customer care".

Some of the senior and most experienced members of the Serjeant at Arms department are said to be upset by the plans which they regard as unnecessary.

It could mean they have to give up their usual four weeks holiday during the general election campaign to sit in classrooms being told how to behave.

Several MPs are furious at the scheme which they regard as an insult after years of polite service by Commons staff. Some of the immaculately- dressed doorkeepers are former members of armed services who are proud of their good manners and discipline and of their record fighting for their country, as well as their service to Westminster's MPs and peers.

Liberal Democrat Paul Tyler said the plan was "trying to teach grandfathers to such eggs". He said: "'Customer care' seems to be the buzz phrase. But these are people who have very considerable experience. I think there is a serious amount of resentment that they are thought to need this sort of training programme."

A member of the Serjeant at Arms staff said: "It is purely and simply with a view to giving a better service.

"You can never say that you are too good to learn. You can always learn and improve and this is the objective of the exercise."