HC Deb 24 November 1952 vol 508 cc28-9
48. Sir H. Williams

asked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, why the Dining Room was not open on the occasion of the late Sitting on 18th-19th November.

Mr. Steward

The Kitchen Committee do their best to obtain information about the likelihood of late Sittings in order that they make the necessary arrangements to meet the convenience of Members. Obviously, however, it is not possible to make an accurate forecast of the hour of rising on every occasion.

On the night in question, it was thought that the House would not be sitting unduly late and that the provision of bacon, sausage, egg, etc., in the Tea Room, which seems to have met the case on similar occasions, would be sufficient. However, as I understand that pairing was restricted on that night, the facilities available were inadequate.

Members will realise that there is a substantial saving by closing the Dining Room at the usual hour, but Members' convenience, of course, must be studied and in future, if there is any doubt as to the time at which the House will rise, the Dining Room will remain open.

I wish to express, on behalf of the Kitchen Committee, our regret that Members suffered inconvenience on the night in question and to assure the House that we shall do our best to avoid this happening in the future.

Sir H. Williams

In order to improve the forecasts in future, will my hon. Friend co-opt the hon. and learned Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Bing) on to his Committee?

Mr. P. Morris

When late Sittings take place, during the coming winter, will the hon. Gentleman take more reasonable steps to avoid the excessive hours worked by the staff in the Tea Room and show greater consideration for the people who have to work so hard on those occasions?

Mr. Steward

I assure the House that the procedure adopted on the night of the 18th was the same as has been followed for many years.

Mr. Fernyhough

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that the confusion which arose on the night in question revealed once more how the co-ordinating Ministers are falling down on the job for which they are paid?