Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 October 2009. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 3 November 2009 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Refreshment Dept: Finance

Question
To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how much subsidy was provided for each (a) eatery and (b) bar in the House of Commons part of the Palace of Westminster in the latest period for which figures are available; and what the most recent estimate is of the level of usage of each such outlet by (A) hon. Members, (B) visitors, (C) hon. Members' staff and (D) House staff.
Answer

The House does not provide a subsidy for individual eateries and bars. In 2008-09 the overall net cost incurred by the catering and retail directorate in the Department of Facilities was some £6.1 million, in accordance with the budget approved by the Finance and Services Committee. This represents the difference between income and the cost of the services provided. Food and drink pricing is agreed by the Finance and Services Committee, with advice from the Administration Committee.With the exception of the Terrace cafeteria and the Debate self-service restaurant, no information is kept on the level of usage of each outlet by different types of pass holders. An annual survey is conducted in the Terrace cafeteria and the Debate self-service restaurant in order to assess the customer profile over a peak-lunch period. The last survey was held in May 2009, when usage of these outlets was as follows:

Customer group Terrace cafeteria The Debate
Number Percentage Number Percentage
(a) MPs 90 10 107 8
(b) Visitors (accompanied guests) 52 6 98 7
(c) MPs' Staff 146 16 580 43
(d) Staff of both Houses/Security/other full pass-holders 499 56 401 30
(e) Member House of Lord 21 2 9 1
(f) Members' Staff (House of Lords) 16 2 45 3
(g) Press & Media 21 2 5 —
(h) Other 50 6 104 8
Total 895 100 1,349 100

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
498 c847-8W; 296137
Session
2008-09
Subjects
Catering Finance House of Commons Refreshment Department
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk