HC Deb 23 April 1990 vol 171 c17
Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Lord President of the Council how much it cost to re-erect the refreshment tent on the Terrace of the House; how long he expects it to remain there before it is struck once more; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

As I advised my hon. Friend on 5 February, the total cost of dismantling and re-erecting the marquee, including storage charges, will be about £13,500. The marquee will be used until Christmas.

Mr. Greenway

Will my right hon. and learned Friend keep the marquee on the Terrace permanently, so that £13,500 is not wasted every year? When it is there permanently, will he ensure that on St. George's day, today and in the future, the rose of England is on sale to hon. Members, so that more can wear the rose of England on the feast of St. George, as they should?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I am not sure whether the latter part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question arises from the main question. On St. David's day there were many daffodils in the House because Welshmen were well able to provide them for themselves.

The relevant Committees have considered the marquee and have concluded that it does not make sense to leave it in place throughout the year.

Mr. Tony Banks

As a drink or a cup of tea on the Terrace is a most desirable occupation, it might deflect hon. Members from taking their places in the Chamber. Will the Leader of the House consider making access to the Terrace easier for members of the public so that they, too, can enjoy the facilities that are available to Members? [Interruption.]

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I get the impression that the hon. Gentleman's enthusiasm for broadening access is not widely shared by hon. Members.

Mr. Favell

Does the tent go up and come down to circumvent planning regulations? Is it entirely desirable that the House should be doing that?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

No. My hon. Friend has quite the wrong suspicion. It is being erected and then brought down to comply with planning regulations.

Mrs. Dunwoody

As this operation costs such an inordinate amount of money, would not it be possible to leave the marquee in place and to spend the money that would thereby be saved on decent accommodation for the Refreshment Department staff, who are still far too lowly paid and who work in conditions that would not be acceptable elsewhere?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I have to tell the hon. Lady, as I have told the House on many occasions, that the pay and conditions of service of Refreshment Department staff, as of others, are intended to be kept in line with those that apply in the rest of the labour market. The issue is to be considered again by the Commission very shortly. We must bear it in mind that the cost of taking down the marquee and re-erecting it would have to be set against the cost of maintaining and repairing it while in situ. It would be difficult to choose between the two bills.