§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Lord President of the Council what is the annual turnover of the Press Bar of the House of Commons; who is permitted to use the bar; whether a loss or profit was made in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WakehamThe Press Bar's turnover for the 12 months ended 31 March 1988, excluding VAT, was £38,790; the gross profit for the same period was £14,935. A profit was made during each of the last five years. Those permitted to use the Press Bar are: Parliamentary Lobby journalists and their guests, overseas press officers, Hansard staff, and staff posted to the Press Gallery.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Lord President of the Council what is the number of accredited journalists entitled to use the Press Bar of the House of Commons.
§ Mr. WakehamThe latest Pass Office figures show that 393 accredited journalists are entitled to use the bar in the Parliamentary Press Gallery premises.