HC Deb 16 May 1960 vol 623 cc917-8
45. Mr. Hayman

asked the hon. Member for Holland with Boston, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he will arrange for the earlier opening hour for the Tea Room to be restored, in view of the inconvenience caused to many hon. Members by the present opening-hour of 10.30 a.m.

Sir H. Butcher

I am pleased to tell the hon. Member that, following discussions between myself and the Serjeant at Arms, the Members' Tea Room is now open to serve light refreshments from 10.0 a.m. as before.

Mr. Hayman

Will the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee and his Kitchen Committee, who are appointed by this House, seek powers to have full control of this Department, including the staff and the accommodation?

Sir H. Butcher

This complaint was brought to my notice at about lunch time of the day in question. After consultation with the Serjeant at Arms, remedial action was taken before 3.30 the same day, and I doubt whether any other system would be much quicker.

Mr. Gordon Walker

Can the hon. Member say whether the Serjeant at Arms took his first action without consulting him as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee?

Sir H. Butcher

I think that I would be right in saying that I should only answer Questions addressed to myself and those concerning actions of my Committee.

Mrs. Castle

Is it not clear from the reply of the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee that someone altered the hours and that only when the matter was directed to the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee were the hours altered back again? Does not this once again demonstrate the need for all the affairs of this House which affect the comfort and facilities of hon. Members to be under—

Mr. Speaker

This is interesting, but at the moment I fail to see how it can be in order to address it to the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee.

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