HC Deb 25 April 1966 vol 727 c329
2. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to improve the catering facilities at the British Museum.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Public Building and Works (Mr. James Boyden)

Before 1961, there were no public catering facilities. Since then a temporary snack bar has been provided. A scheme is being considered for a new and larger restaurant.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Museum authorities deplore the poor catering facilities as much as I do? Does he not think that, with several hundred people working in the reading room at the British Museum, it is a matter of urgency that he should provide a proper meals service for these people?

Mr. Boyden

The provision of food is a matter for the Museum authorities. A scheme is under consideration, for which it is hoped that planning and contract preliminaries will be completed in time for building work to start at the end of 1967.