HC Deb 11 March 1970 vol 797 cc1338-9
35. Mr. Dance

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will take steps to ensure that the Complaints Book is always available to hon. Members when using the catering facilities in the Commons part of the Palace of Westminster.

36. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will have books placed in the dining rooms and cafeterias of the House for hon. Members to record their appreciation, suggestions and complaints.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Fred Peart)

A complaints book is available in the Strangers' Dining Room, and arrangements are being made for the provision of further books in the Members' Dining Room, Members' Cafeteria and Tea Room.

Mr. Dance

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey our best wishes to the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee and our hope for his speedy recovery? At the same time, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the complaints book has not been available recently for Members to use but has been locked up in the catering manager's office?

Mr. Peart

I thought that my answer should receive satisfaction from the hon. Member. I would like to associate the whole House with what he has said about my hon. Friend the Member for Bury and Radcliffe (Mr. Ensor), who is Chairman of the Kitchen Committee. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Echoing that, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the case that since the transfer of some responsibilities from the Lord Great Chamberlain there has been a tendency to put on the Order Paper comparatively minor Questions regarding food and drink and Members' convenience? If these books are available—and we are glad to hear that they will be—will not this save Parliamentary time?

Mr. Peart

I would hope so.

Mr. Snow

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the absence of this complaints book has been a source of great irritation to many hon. Members recently? Since we are dealing with agriculture Questions, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware that the quality of beer sold in this building is very indifferent and usually warm, and that this strikes right at the heart of the body politic of this country?

Mr. Peart

I wish that my hon. Friend the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee were here to answer, but as a customer in the House I would say that my hon. Friend is wrong.