HC Deb 09 July 2002 vol 388 c842W
61. Jim Knight

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what assessment he has made of the new visitors' facility in Westminster Hall; and what plans he has to extend the facilities further. [65361]

Mr. Kirkwood

Opening up Parliament to the public is one of the Commission's strategic aims, and the Jubilee Cafe, which was opened by Mr. Speaker in May, is a welcome development. It seats 100, serves modestly priced light refreshments and is fully wheelchair accessible. It also provides long-overdue toilet facilities for visitors. It is still too soon to make any formal assessment of the success of the new facilities, although early feedback from visitors indicates a high level of satisfaction with the range and quality of food provided. The Finance and Services Committee has asked for a full report from the Director of Catering Services in the autumn.

More generally, a feasibility study on visitor facilities for Parliament is currently under way and will shortly make recommendations. These will include options for an information and visitor centre.