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Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 April 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 April 2007. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 27 April 2007 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Alcoholic Drinks

Question
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how many litres of alcoholic drinks were purchased for sale (a) in bars and restaurants of the House and (b) by the House Refreshment Department for catering functions on the Parliamentary estate in each year since 2005.
Answer

The Refreshment Department does not purchase drinks for specific trading areas, but issues goods as required from its central store. The estimated quantity of alcoholic drinks consumed in the 11 months to February 2007 is estimated to be (a) 53,495 litres in the bars and restaurants and (b) 30,517 litres at functions supplied by the House of Commons Refreshment Department. The following table details by outlet, however this does not include alcohol transferred to our souvenir outlets.

April 2006 to February 2007 (11 months)
Quantity (litres) Estimated cost of consumption (£)
Bars and restaurants
(a) Beers and ciders 34.377 52,620
(b) Aperitifs, fortified wines and spirits 743 9,729
(c) Wines 18,377 130,922
Total 53,497 193,270
Catering functions
(d) Beers and ciders 1,371 2,539
(e) Aperitifs, fortified wines and spirits 700 7,703
(f) Wines 28,446 176,380
Total 30,517 186,622

Detailed consumption information is not currently available for the year 2005-06 due to technical issues that are being investigated by the software supplier. The Director of Catering Services will write to the hon. Member with the requested information when it becomes available.The software used by the Refreshment Department does not retain historical information of stock consumption for earlier years.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
134496; 459 c1352W
Session
2006-07
Subjects
Alcoholic drinks Refreshment Department
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk