HC Deb 14 May 1984 vol 60 cc15-6
34. Mr. Greenway

asked the Lord Privy Seal what rent is paid to the House authorities by Thomas Cook and Son Ltd. for the facilities it has within the precincts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Biffen

No rent is paid for the rooms occupied by the Transport Office, operated by Thomas Cook and Son Ltd. Equally, Cooks makes no charge for providing what I am sure hon. Members will recognise as an important service.

Mr. Greenway

Does my right hon. Friend accept that hon. Members on both sides of the House are thoroughly grateful for the excellent service that we receive from Thomas Cook? Will my right hon. Friend confirm that no discount is given to hon. Members for that service? Will he tell the House why Thomas Cook pays no rent, in view of the reasonable profits that it makes?

Mr. Biffen

On balance, I am sure that my hon. Friend agrees that Thomas Cook provides an extremely good service. I am sure that that is partly reflected by the terms and conditions on which it operates within the Palace of Westminster. With regard to my hon. Friend's specific question about payment of rent, I cannot answer him immediately with authority, but I shall look into the matter.

Mr. Wrigglesworth

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that that is an unsatisfactory answer? Thomas Cook receives vast profits for this commercial operation when compared with its other branches. Should not Thomas Cook pay a rent, and should not the contract for providing those services be open to competition provided by other companies?

Mr. Biffen

I cannot confirm or deny the nature of the profits achieved by Thomas Cook in its operations here. It is true that there is a case for considering giving another agency the opportunity to bid for this business. That is currently under consideration by the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee. As soon as I can comment upon its findings I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Ward

Is my right hon. Friend aware, following his answer about competition, that many reputable travel agencies and companies would be only to pleased to put in quotations for occupying that office and handling the travel business?

Mr. Biffen

I can assure my hon. Friend that those factors will be taken into account by the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee in the study to which I have referred.

Mr. Williams

Since the company has the use of the office free of rent, will the Leader of the House have published in the Official Report an outline of exactly what hon. Members receive at Thomas Cook which they would not receive or would pay for at a normal office?

Mr. Biffen

I shall be happy to consider that.

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