HC Deb 30 January 1984 vol 53 c15
34. Mr. Greenway

asked the Lord Privy Seal what were the takings of the sales kiosk outside the Members' Cafeteria over (a) the four-week period to 23 December 1983 and (b) the 12-month period to 23 December 1983; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Colin Shepherd

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Chairman of the Catering Committee.

The takings in the Refreshment Department's souvenir kiosk in the four-week period and the 12-month period to 23 December 1983 were £122,759 and £313,517, respectively. These figures include value added tax.

Mr. Greenaway

Is my hon. Friend aware that the services of the much-improved kiosk are widely appreciated on both sides of the House, as are the services of those who work in it? Will he confirm that a wide variety of people avail themselves of the facilities of the kiosk and that the remarkable takings he has mentioned have come not solely from the pockets of Members of Parliament?

Mr. Shepherd

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his recognition of the very hard work put in by the staff during the year and in the run-up to the Christmas period when the business level was so high. I confirm that advantage of this kiosk has been taken by a broad band of people within the Palace of Westminster, both Members and staff, and the profit arising from it helps the Catering Department in its trading position.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I was looking forward to the opportunity of asking the Leader of the House whether, when he had occasion to wander past the kiosk, the same reflections passed through his mind as passed through mine—namely, that the sale of momentos may be good enough for the impoverished owners of stately homes, but that it is far below the dignity of Parliament?

Mr. Shepherd

I am not entirely prescient of the right hon. Gentleman's mind, and certainly I am not aware of the goings on in the mind of my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House. However, I cannot accept what the right hon. Gentleman said about the dignity not only of the merchandise offered but of the operation. It is very much appreciated by right hon. and hon. Members, officers and servants of the House, who are proud to be associated with the House of Commons and wish to give gifts and make purchases of items associated with it.