HC Deb 17 December 1969 vol 793 c1347
37. Sir C. Taylor

asked the Lord President of the Council how often he studies the Refreshment Department's complaints book; and when this was last brought to his notice.

Mr. Ensor

I have been asked to reply.

The Lord President does not study this book personally, but it is examined daily by the Manager of the Refreshment Department, and those complaints which he considers should be seen by the Catering Sub-Committee are brought before it.

Sir C. Taylor

This is not good enough. The Chairman of the Catering Sub-Committee should study this book. The Chairman will correct me if I am wrong, but I understand that he was not aware of the existence of this book until this Question was put down. Does he take any action about complaints that are put into the book?

Mr. Ensor

With great respect to the hon. Member, I have more individual hon. Members and right hon. Members talking to me about problems and complaints than are ever likely to appear in any complaints book. I would have thought that personal contact between myself as Chairman of the Catering Sub-Committee and Members was far more valuable than any complaints book.

Mrs. Ewing

Is the Chairman of the Catering Sub-Committee aware that the complaints book has been lost? I should like to find it, in order to write in it some very complimentary remarks about the pleasantness of the servants of the House.

Mr. Ensor

I am sure that the hon. Lady will be delighted to look for it—and I will help her.