has a lift.

His protest follows problems Government backbencher the Hon. John Stubbs had entering the House in February after a cancer operation.

Friends had to carry the wheelchair-bound 60-year-old up the steps of the Sessions House.

Dr. Stubbs was making a political return for the Budget debate after an operation to remove tumours from his spine.

Mr. Viera, an outspoken Independent MP, said he had campaigned for a lift over the last two months.

He said he had pressed the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, the House speaker the Hon. David Wilkinson, and the Works & Engineering Ministry to act.

But despite promises, nothing has been done, claimed Mr. Viera. "Until they put an elevator in the House I don't intend to attend,'' he said.

"I think it's terrible an elected member of the House has to struggle up the steps.'' Mr. Viera claimed the House clerk Mr. James Smith had told him money was available for a lift.

"All that is needed is for Government to use the money,'' he said.

Mr. Viera said he would even be prepared to raise some of the cash -- up to $10,000.

He stressed his threat to boycott the House -- which sits again on Friday after a recess following the Budget -- was real.

"Anyone who knows me knows that when I say something I mean it.'' Mr. Viera said he had spoken to Dr. Stubbs about the need for a lift. "He's much too nice a guy to do anything about it himself. He's a wonderful man.

"He won't take the initiative, and so I intend to do so.'' Dr. Stubbs said he was "touched'' by his political friend's concern. But he added: "I don't want my needs to be a focal point.'' Dr. Stubbs, who intends coming to the House on Friday, no longer needs a wheelchair, but uses a walking frame.

He said he could move about with difficulty, although independently.

"I will probably devise a strategy so I can get into the House by myself,'' he added.

Dr. Stubbs, however, said he now fully appreciated the importance of improving access to public buildings.

Mr. Harry Viera MP.