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House of Commons Commission

Answer

Norman Baker: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what the Commission's policy is on the sourcing of beer for sale (a) in parliamentary bars and (b) by the Refreshment Department at catering functions on the parliamentary estate, with particular reference to sourcing from small independent UK brewers. [222304] Sir Archy Kirkwood: The Refreshment Department regularly seeks the advice of the Catering Committee on the sourcing of beers for sale through its catering outlets. In the House of Commons bars, the Department offers for sale one draught ale, generally changed weekly, that is specifically sourced from a member of the Society of Independent Brewers and supplied by their distributor, East West Ales. The Department also sells beers from Young's and Co. (Wandsworth) in certain bars. Other beers sold throughout the House of Commons bars and at functions catered by the Refreshment Department are supplied by the Department's principal nominated beer supplier. This contract, which is currently in the process of being competitively tendered in accordance with the EU Procurement Regulations, and has been advertised in appropriate trade publications, includes a requirement for the supply of a regularly changed British regional ale, to be expressly purchased by the Department's nominated beer supplier for supply to the House of Commons. The Refreshment Department is also in the process of tendering a contract for the supply of a House of Commons gift ale pack for sale through its souvenir and gift shops. The Society of Independent Brewers have provided a list of all their members who produce bottled beers and these producers have been invited with others to attend a meeting with the Refreshment Department's Purchasing Manager.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

432 c874-5W; 222304

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Alcoholic drinks Beer Drinks Procurement Refreshment Department

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk