§ 40. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Lord President of the Council what proposals he has for improving the standard and variety of the food offered in Members' dining rooms and tea rooms, and in the cafeteria open to the public; and what proposals he has for the improvement of the environment and general upkeep of these parts of the House.
§ Mrs. BraddockI have been asked to reply.
The Catering Sub-Committee is conducting a comprehensive review of the services, including the menus, offered by the Refreshment Department, and, in consultation with the Accommodation and Housekeeping Sub-Committee, will put forward proposals for improving the environment and upkeep of refreshment rooms.
§ Mrs. ShortMay I tell my hon. Friend.—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."] May I tell my hon. Friend—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Lady knows now how to ask a supplementary question.
§ Mrs. ShortIs my hon. Friend aware that these proposals are long overdue? Is he further aware that many hon. Members are concerned about the continually deteriorating standards of catering in this House, that we are disgusted by the broken furniture, by the dirty carpets and the monotony of the menus offered in many parts of the House, including the public and Press facilities? May I ask her also——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That is long enough for one supplementary question.
§ Mrs. BraddockThe position is that a special report from the Select Committee on House of Commons Services commenting upon the accounts for 1965 will be published later this week. Perhaps there will be opportunity for a full discussion on these matters later.