HC Deb 28 June 1915 vol 72 cc1448-9
9. Mr. LOUGH

asked the First Com missioner of Works what is the estimated total amount of the expenditure on the new Tea Room in this House; where the apartment is situated; at whose instance was it constructed; and whether he can undertake on behalf of the Office of Works that no further outlay shall be incurred during the continuance of the War on any work which can be deferred or avoided?

FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)

The estimated cost is £4,350. The room is at the northern end of the Terrace, adjoining the Strangers' Smoking Room. It was constructed on suggestions conveyed to and approved by my hon. Friend the Member for St. George's Division of the Tower Hamlets, who then represented my Department, and the cost was provided for in the Estimates of 1914–15. The room is now open for the inspection of Members. The Kitchen Committee are averse from any extension of the staff which would be necessary for its use as a tea room, and I propose, therefore, that it should be used for the remainder of this Session as a newspaper room for Members only. In reply to the last paragraph of my right hon. Friend's question, I can assure him that during the War the most rigorous economy will be pursued in every branch of my Department.

Mr. WATT

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figure named by him includes alteration to the approaches to the room, and will he say whether this was the most clamant alteration in the House or did the Kitchen Committee demand other alterations much more useful to them?

Mr. HARCOURT

I must ask for notice of the question.