HC Deb 02 July 1969 vol 786 cc421-3
35. Sir R. Russell

asked the Lord President of the Council if, in view of the tax imposed on pet foods, he will arrange for doggy bags to be provided in all the refreshment rooms of the House of Commons as is done in restaurants in the United States of America, so that hon. Members and members of the staff and the Press may, if they wish, take away scraps to feed their pets.

Mr. Ensor

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir.

Sir R. Russell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the main object of the Question was to suggest that the House might give a lead to cafés and restaurants outside, to encourage them to help old-age pensioners and others living on small incomes who have been hard hit by the purchase tax on pet food? Will he, perhaps, reconsider his decision?

Mr. Ensor

My principal occupation at the moment is trying to improve the service and food to Members and their guests. When I have done that, I will consider the other possibilities.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Will the hon. Gentleman make certain that the food in the Refreshment Department is maintained at such a standard that it will be acceptable to dogs?

Mr. Ensor

I have understood over the last week or two, at least from what I have heard from hon. Members, that there has been a considerable improvement. I have nothing further to say at the moment.

41. Mr. Henig

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will now announce his plans for improvements in catering services in the Members' Snack Bar.

Mr. Ensor

I have been asked to reply.

During the coming Summer Recess improvements are being made to the kitchen and servery of the Members' and Strangers' Cafeterias. It is hoped that this will result in improved service and quality of food.

Mr. Henig

I am delighted to hear that, but is my hon. Friend aware that, whilst we sympathise with him in the problems he doubtless has, many Members are at the moment rather ashamed when they have to take guests into the Snack Bar? Is he aware that charges at the Snack Bar are often very much higher than they are in commercial establishments outside the House, and when he is making improvements will he make sure that there are not price increases?

Mr. Ensor

I do not think my hon. Friend is quite accurate on the question of prices, but be that as it may, we are reviewing at the present time the whole problem of prices and the quality of food and service, and I am sure that by October, when the House comes back, there will be a great improvement.

Sir A. V. Harvey

When the arrangements have been completed, will the hon. Gentleman make it quite clear how many guests a Member may take into that Room? Quite recently one hon. Member had four guests there, precluding other hon. Members. It would be helpful to know what the arrangements are.

Mr. Ensor

We are in process of reissuing the rules and regulations with regard to the Dining Rooms and Cafeterias, and it is hoped that they will be published before the House comes back after the Recess.