§ 40. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Lord President of the Council what English and French wines are available in House of Commons refreshment rooms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe Dining Rooms offer at present a range of 68 French and seven English wines. The red and white House wines available in the cafeterias and bars are both French. The full range is shown on the House of Commons wine list.
§ Mr. GreenwayWill my right hon. and learned Friend confirm the obvious—that much more French wine than English wine is sold in the House of Commons? Does he agree that that is because real English wines like elderberry, dandelion and parsnip are not available here? Will he take steps to make those English wines available in the House?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweMy hon. Friend's question comes from a very curious vintage. For every bottle of English wine sold in this place, some 40 bottles of French wine are sold. That is notwithstanding the fact that English wines are given special prominence on the wine list to promote their sale. In those circumstances, I do not think that I can find either the space or anything else to allow the promotion of the more exotic native brews that my hon. Friend recommends.