HC Deb 27 January 1958 vol 581 cc32-4
47. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if reconsideration has now been given to the opening of the Members' Cafeteria to guests between 12.30 and 5.30 p.m.; and what decision has been reached.

Sir William Steward

This matter was most carefully considered by the Kitchen Committee at its meeting held on 18th December last, when it was unanimously resolved that the present arrangements by which Members may introduce up to three guests in the Members' Cafeteria between the hours of 12.30 and 5.30 p.m. be continued, subject to review at the beginning of next Session.

Mr. Davies

Why is it that the Kitchen Committee takes this decision without consulting the wishes of Members of the House? Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that a considerable body of opinion among Members would prefer to have the Members' Cafeteria at lunchtime free from strangers so that they can talk as they wish?

Sir W. Steward

The Committee is composed of an equal number of Members from both sides of the House. So far as it has been able, it has also sought the opinions of hon. Members, and, it is not clear that the wish expressed by the hon. Member is the wish of the majority of hon. Members.

Mr. Bevan

As a rather old Member of the House, may I ask whether it is not desirable that, having regard to the restricted facilities already available, hon. Members should have the opportunity of having lunch to themselves without their conversation being always overheard by strangers?

Sir W. Steward

I do not think that that really arises. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] There are plenty of places whore such conversations can take place. I should like to point out that a census was taken of the number of people patronising this part of the House for the three days Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 4th, 5th and 6th December. Between 12.30 and 1.30 p.m. on 4th December only 25 were present, on the Thursday only 18 and on the Friday only 12. Between 1.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. on the Wednesday there were only 10, on the Thursday 13, and on the Friday three. Between 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. there were only two present on the Wednesday, four on Thursday and none on the Friday. Between 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. on the Wednesday there were 36, on the Thursday 15, and none on the Friday. Between 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. there were 13 on the Wednesday, 13 on the Thursday, and none on the Friday. My Committee feels justified in the steps it has taken and considers that this arrangement should at least be given a run to see whether it is popular or not.

Mr. Gower

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is also a large body of hon. Members who want to see the Kitchen Committee run its affairs economically and that if this arrangement conduces to that end he will have their support?

Mr. Bevan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, on that basis, if he takes a statistical survey of the Members' Dining Room on certain days he could also admit the public there to luncheon and, before very long, he will have reduced the whole House to a rather squalid situation?

Sir W. Steward

The position there is rather different. The Members' Dining Room has been for the exclusive use of Members for many years. This particular part of the House is a comparatively new innovation as a Members' Cafeteria. Up to three years ago it was part of the Strangers' Bar.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the decision of the Kitchen Committee about the Members' Cafeteria, will the hon. Member now make a recommendation to his colleagues on the Committee that the Members' Smoking Room, otherwise known for many years as the Tory smoking room, should also be made available to strangers so that they might be permitted to listen to the conversation of hon. Members there?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think we have spent enough time on a domestic matter.