§ Sir Harold WalkerTo ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee why the Smoking Room was excluded from the scope of the inquiry into the House's refreshment facilities conducted by Food Services Associates.
§ Mr. Colin ShepherdThe consultancy brief issued to Food Services Associates was
to examine food production and food service systemsand to
develop a strategic plan…for the re-organisation of food production and food service systems in the House of Commons".Bars, including the Smoking Room, were excluded from the scope of the study except where changes proposed by the consultants for food service areas impinged on areas used for bars.
§ Sir Harold WalkerTo ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee what estimate he has made of the cost of implementing the proposals contained in the report of Food Services Associates to reform the refreshment facilities of the House.
§ Mr. Colin ShepherdThe Food Service Associates report, which the Committee is currently considering, estimated the cost of equipment at £2.8 million. Before the Committee reports to the House, an estimate will be required of the total cost of any proposals, including equipment, building works, electrical and mechanical works, installation and ventilation.