§ 60. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Lord President of the Council whether he has any plans to arrange for the establishment of permanently constructed reception and dining areas on the Terrace of the House of Commons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WakehamNo, Sir. The Terrace pavilion is intended to operate from Easter until Christmas.
§ Mr. GreenwayCan my right hon. Friend tell us more about the facility that was unveiled last week? How much did it cost; how many will it accommodate and for what principal functions; and when does he expect it to be in general use?
§ Mr. WakehamI can tell my hon. Friend some of the information that he requires. The total cost is not expected to exceed £150,000; 75 per cent. of that will come from the Refreshment Department's trading fund account and the remainder from the parliamentary works account. It is planned as a viable project that will not only pay its own costs but is expected to contribute to the general running costs of the Refreshment Department. It will operate from Easter until Christmas each year.
§ Mr. John EvansWas the green and white candy-striped edifice that has just been erected sanctioned by the Royal Fine Art Commission?
§ Mr. WakehamI think that it was to replace a temporary building that was put up before. That question did not arise.
§ Mr. McLoughlinI welcome my right hon. Friend's answer, but does he accept that the first priority should be to provide a reception area at the Norman Porch, so that when constituents come down they do not have to stand in the rain to wait to see the place to which they should have access?
§ Mr. WakehamThere is a question later on the Order Paper on that subject. Certain proposals are being discussed by the authorities in this House and in another place. We hope to make some progress shortly.