§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment he has made of the new shift hours and arrangements for staff in the Members' Smoking Room from 11 July; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BeithIn accordance with established practice I shall ask the Director of Catering Services to write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee, what changes are proposed in the hours of opening of the Members' Smoking Room; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Colin ShepherdThe Catering Committee has agreed to endorse the proposal made by the Refreshment Department that the Members' Smoking Room should continue to open at 11 am and should normally close 15 minutes after the rising of the House, rather than one hour after the rising of the House as at present. If the House rises after midnight, the Smoking Room will close when the House adjourns. This change reflects the pattern of usage experienced over a considerable period of time, but will be subject to further review as necessary.