§ 26. Mr. FlynnTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on (a) the expenditure and (b) the staffing levels of the Refreshment Department for 1992–93.
§ Mr. A. J. Beith(on behalf of the House of Commons Commission): The expenditure figures for the current financial year are not yet available. I am advised that the total number of staff employed in the Refreshment Department is 311, of whom 25 are in non-industrial grades.
§ Mr. FlynnCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me why, three years ago, I was given the political affiliations of Members booking the House of Commons Dining Rooms but now that information has become a state secret? As one would expect, the political affiliation of Members booking the Rooms is overwhelmingly Conservative. Is the reason for the new secrecy a sense of guilt because so many commercial companies are being royally entertained in our subsidised facilities while pensioners and disabled people who come to the House cannot enjoy the simple hospitality of a place to shelter or a cup of tea?
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. I understand the passionate feelings of the hon. Member, but his question does not relate to the question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. BeithThese are primarily matters for the Catering Committee, which I understand is reviewing banqueting arrangements. Responsibility rests with the Member who makes the booking.
§ Mr. John MarshallWill the right hon. Gentleman join me in thanking the staff of the Refreshment Department for the jolly long hours of work that they put in and for the fact that they are always cheerful at whatever time of night they are asked to serve food?