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The call centre for the Houses of Parliament could be moved about 80 miles to Southampton.

Capita, which manages the Operator Bureau, said they were considering relocating to the Hampshire city in order to increase "flexibility and resilience" in the service.

A spokeswoman said Swindon in Wiltshire was also an option.

She said: "We are considering moving to Southampton or Swindon, but at present no plans are confirmed."

Currently 26 people operate the switchboard which is situated above the Commons chamber.

John Denham, MP for Southampton, Itchen, said: "I suppose we should be thankful it's not Bombay.

"It does seem odd that the Commons can't run its own service, but I'm pleased at any jobs coming to Southampton after the planned loss of 500 call centre jobs at British Gas."