HC Deb 28 January 1985 vol 72 cc13-4
31. Mr. Greenway

asked the Lord Privy Seal what were the takings at the souvenir kiosk in the latest year for which statistics are available; what were the takings in the four weeks to 24 December; what plans he has for the future of the kiosk; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Biffen

The takings in the four-week period and the 12-month period to 21 December 1984 were £146,073 and £414,869 respectively. These figures include VAT. The Refreshment Department regularly reviews the range of products on sale at the kiosk, but there are no immediate plans for major developments.

Mr. Greenway

Will my right hon. Friend please convey the thanks of all hon. Members to Jean and Joe for their excellent service? Do not the remarkable figures that my right hon. Friend has given show that already there is a sufficiently wide range of goods on sale to attract enormous custom and satisfy hon. Members and visitors? Would it not be wholly wrong to set up a new supermarket in Westminster Hall selling anything from House of Commons champagne to parliamentary tinsel?

Mr. Biffen

The safest thing that I can do is to say to my hon. Friend that I shall convey those sentiments to the Catering Sub-Committee.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Does the Lord Privy Seal share my hope that it will be found possible to dispense with this eyesore, which is derogatory to the dignity of the House?

Mr. Biffen

I noted the comments of the right hon. Gentleman on 30 January 1984, when I took good care to hide behind the skirts of my hon. Friend the Member for Hereford (Mr. Shepherd). All I can say is that, again, I shall refer the comments of the right hon. Member to the Catering Sub-Committee.

Mr. McQuarrie

Will my right hon. Friend take note of the fact that, while the figures for sales that he has given are very satisfactory, there is a distinct absence of many items in the kiosks during the busiest parts of the parliamentary Session—in July and again at Christmas? Will my right hon. Friend take steps to ensure that adequate stocks are held during these busy periods so that hon. Members can obtain supplies for their constituents?

Mr. Biffen

I shall most certainly ensure that that point is further considered.

Mr. Heffer

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the period of the English revolution, when Parliament operated as a Parliament against the King, political pamphlets of various kinds were sold in Westminster Hall? Would it not be a good idea to return to that position instead of tolerating the present nonsense?

Mr. Biffen

Political pamphlets are normally pretty slow-moving stock. I am sure that in many parts of the House there will be sympathetic consideration of that viewpoint.

Mr. Heffer

They would not read the right hon. Gentleman's.

Mr. Biffen

No. I am not such a fool as to write them.