HC Deb 04 April 1960 vol 621 cc30-1
46. Mr. Shepherd

asked the hon. Member for Holland with Boston, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what steps his Department takes to prevent the House of Commons refreshment facilities from being used for advancing commercial interests of individual firms or groups of firms.

Sir Herbert Butcher

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newbury (Sir A. Hurd) on Monday, 28th March.

In my reply I referred to a rule of the Kitchen Committee dealing with advertisement or publicity in connection with functions held in the Dining Rooms. I would have thought that this rule, together with the good sense of Members, who alone can reserve accommodation, would have prevented any misuse of the refreshment facilities in the House of Commons. I am, however, examining the matter to see whether any change in the present arrangements is desirable.