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 Tuesday, 25 March 2008 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Mineral Waters

Question: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how many bottles of water were purchased by Departments of the House for consumption other than in restaurants and cafeterias in the last 12 months; what the cost was; and if the Commission will make it their policy to replace bottled water with tap water in (a) Westminster Hall, (b) committee rooms and (c) other meeting rooms.

Answer: In the last complete financial year, 2006-07, approximately 44,250 litres of water (33,502 x one litre bottles and 581 x 18.5 litre bottles) were purchased by the House for consumption other than in restaurants and cafeterias, at a cost of £19,383. 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 offering further advice to the Committee.

Secondary information