HC Deb 27 January 1986 vol 90 cc640-1
35. Mr. Greenway

asked the Lord Privy Seal what were the takings at the souvenir kiosk in (a) the final four weeks to Christmas 1985 and (b) the latest 12 months period; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Biffen

The takings of the Refreshment Department's souvenir kiosk in the four-week period and the 12-month period to 20 December 1985 were £148,482 and £446,340 respectively. These figures include value added tax of 15 per cent.

Mr. Greenway

Will my right hon. Friend give some rough idea of the profit in those figures? If profits are regular, will there be price reductions in the next few months? Will he assure the House that there are no plans to expand the activities of the kiosk by building a bigger office elsewhere in the Palace, and that there is no plan to move on to gondola-type trips up the Thames from Mr. Speaker's Steps?

Mr. Biffen

My hon. Friend has other things to consider this afternoon besides the possibility of gondola journeys from Mr. Speaker's premises. The gross profit for the financial year 1984–85 was £113,000. It will be best if I refer my hon. Friend's other questions to the Services Committee, which is responsible for the kiosk.

Mr. Dormand

Does the Leader of the House agree that the price of some articles is exorbitant? As he is a believer in market forces, does he agree that, if some prices were reduced, sales might be even greater?

Mr. Biffen

I shall refer that point to the Services Committee:

Sir Kenneth Lewis

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the kiosk is more profitable than Westland? Can we consider a takeover bid?

Mr. Biffen

One little difficulty at a time.

Mr. Haynes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price increases of goods at the kiosk are way above anything else in the land? Is he further aware that Members of Parliament and our constituents are taken for a ride when they go to that shop?

Mr. Biffen

I am so glad that we have found a real issue. As I have already said, I shall refer the points that have been raised about prices to the relevant Committee.