Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 11 March 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 March 2008. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 20 March 2008 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Drinking Water

Question: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what recent consideration the House authorities have given to providing filtered tap water as an alternative to bottled water in committee and meeting rooms; and what estimate has been made of the cost of providing (a) tap and (b) bottled water in these rooms in 2008-09.

Original answer: The Administration Committee last considered the issue of the provision of drinking water in Committee and meeting rooms on 13 March 2007 and agreed to recommend that the current practice of supplying bottled mineral water to Committee rooms should continue. I understand that the Department of Facilities is re-examining the issue with the intention of providing further advice to the Administration Committee.When the Administration Committee considered the provision of drinking water in 2007 the estimated annual cost of providing tap water in Committee and meeting rooms was between £7,000 and £6,000 depending on how the service was delivered. Part of the re-examination being carried out by the Department of Facilities focuses on how this cost can be reduced. The projected approximate cost of providing bottled water in Committee Rooms in 2007-08 is £10,000. Costs for 2008-09 should be broadly similar if there is no change to the current practice. Water is not routinely provided for other meetings except when ordered and paid for as part of a catering service. Data on separate purchases is not held in a consolidated form.

It has since been corrected.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 194554; 473 c1311-2W (474 3-4MC);473 c1307-8W
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Ministerial corrections
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Written corrections
House of Commons; Drinking Water
Monday, 31 March 2008
Written questions
House of Commons
Notes: Corrected at 26 March 2008 374 c3-4MC
Subjects: House of Commons Drinking water
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk