HC Deb 15 January 1990 vol 165 cc19-20
57. Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Lord President of the Council what was the take at the souvenir kiosk in December 1989.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

Gross takings in the kiosk for the month of December 1989, including VAT, were £171,325.

Mr. Banks

I thank the Leader of the House for that information. Will he convey the thanks of the House to the staff who work in the kiosk for the enormous work that they do before Christmas? Would it not be appropriate for them to receive a hefty bonus for that work? It seems from the figures that the path to reselection is paved with Victorian House of Commons mints and tins of humbugs and fudge. Would it not be appropriate to relocate the kiosk to Westminster Hall, where members of the general public could get to it and purchase some of the excellent commodities on sale? That would also improve the profitability of the House.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

There is certainly a case for examining the possibility of extending this facility, but such matters must always be considered in the light of the limited accommodation available in the Palace of Westminster. I hope that, as the hon. Gentleman seeks reselection, he will find it convenient to make use of House of Commons fudge in large quantities.