Parliamentary authorities are considering whether a docking station for “Boris bikes” can be established at Westminster, the head of the House of Lords administration revealed yesterday.

Chairman of committees Lord Brabazon of Tara said he was “hopeful” a site would be found as part of the Barclays cycle hire scheme set up by mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Former Cabinet Secretary Lord Butler of Brockwell, 72, who subscribes to the scheme, said it took about 10 minutes to get to the nearest docking station at Smith Square and that a closer point would be “for the convenience of the members of this House and their staff”.

Lord Brabazon replied at question time in the Lords: “Transport for London recently contacted the Commons authorities regarding the possible installation of a Barclays cycle hire docking station on the parliamentary estate.

“While we cannot permit a station for public use in the secure area of the estate, we are considering whether an alternative location can be found outside the secure area.”

He added: “Hopefully we will succeed in the neighbourhood.”