this is a rare and wasted opportunity to set an example to women across the UK

National Childbirth Trust

Special breastfeeding rooms are to be set up in the Lady Members' Rooms - close to the Upper Committee corridor.

Speaker Michael Martin had been expected to overturn the ban entirely but decided against such a move after "broad consultation" with MPs.

Traditionalists' victory

The ruling is a victory for traditionalists, such as Conservative MP Julie Kirkbride, one of a small group of MPs with young children, who described the idea of breastfeeding in the Commons as "ludicrous".

But it will come as a blow to a group of mainly Labour MPs who have campaigned since 1997 to be allowed to nurse infants in the chamber.

Labour backbencher Julia Drown said she was encouraged by the Speaker's recognition of the need for special facilities.

But she was "surprised" by his decision not to overturn the ban altogether.

Drown: 'This is not the end of the road'

She said the Commons administration committee had voted in favour of lifting the ban and, in polls, three-to-one MPs were also in favour.

"I don't think this is the end of the road I am sure we will get there in the end," Mrs Drown said.

She called on Mr Martin to give MPs a Commons vote on the issue.

'Wasted opportunity'

Meanwhile the National Childbirth Trust said the Speaker had wasted an opportunity to set an example to women about breastfeeding.

Chief executive Belinda Phipps said she was extremely disappointed with the decision.

"As the Commons is an open and public building, this is a rare and wasted opportunity to set an example to women across the UK that breastfeeding is and should be accepted in public places."

Visiting mothers

The new arrangements could be in place within 10 weeks, if approved by the Commons Administration Committee.

Its chairman, Conservative MP Marion Roe, is recommending acceptance.

The new rooms will be separate from but adjacent to nappy changing areas.

Feeding chairs, footstools, and baby changers will be provided, along with disposable nappies, breast pads, tissues and disposable bins.

Facilities will also be provided for visiting mothers.

The measures will cost just under �8,000.

'Responsibility'

In a letter to the committee, the Speaker says he supports the "principle" of breast-feeding, and recognises the benefits it brings to babies and mothers.

But he says his responsibility is to the Commons as a whole, and on balance has decided not to permit nursing mothers and babies in the chamber or in committee rooms.