HC Deb 19 January 1987 vol 108 cc595-6
32. Mr. Greenway

asked the Lord Privy Seal what were the takings in (a) the month and (b) the year up to 24 December 1986 at the House of Commons sales kiosk; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Irving

I have been asked to reply.

The takings of the Refreshment Department's souvenir kiosk in the four-week period and the 12-month period to 24 December 1986 were £182,122 and £504,404 respectively. These figures include VAT and are a record for the Department.

Mr. Greenway

I congratulate my hon. Friend and all concerned with the remarkably hard work behind those figures. May I ask, first, to what use is any profit included in those figures put, and, secondly, will there by any price reductions? Is he aware of the recent, welcome innovation of selling House of Commons humbugs? Is he further aware that these are sold in a three quarter pound tin at £2.50, whereas in the shop down the road the same weight can be bought for under 80p? Why are House of Commons humbugs so expensive?

Mr. Irving

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his kind remarks about the Department. All the staff who have achieved this marvellous result in difficult working conditions in a kiosk which is 6ft by 23ft deserve our thanks. The staff of the whole Department deserve our thanks.

My hon. Friend asks what we do with the money. I can assure him that it is dealt with in an entirely respectable way, unlike things that sometimes happen outside. The money will be reinvested to improve facilities for members of staff and Members of this House, who will have seen a few improvements since 1979. We have a responsibility to see that the budget balances and that we do not call upon the taxpayer for further resources.

My hon. Friend refers to humbugs. If he talks to me afterwards, I can talk to him in greater detail. However, I must advise him that there are two sorts of humbugs—cheap ones that can be bought outside the House, and exclusive, delicious, succulent ones that can be bought in this House. For the quality that we offer, we consider that the price is most reasonable.