HC Deb 01 December 2003 vol 415 cc3-4W
Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment he has made of the impact of the change in sitting hours on the Refreshment Department. [139976]

Sir Archy Kirkwood

At its meeting on 12 May, the Commission considered a paper from the Board of Management on the principal impact of the revised sitting hours on staff and facilities. That paper reflected the early assessments made by the various Departments of the House. The Refreshment Department reported an increase in daytime trade, particularly in the cafeterias, but a significant loss of evening trade, particularly in the dining rooms. The Director of Catering Services continues to monitor service requirements in the light of changes in sitting patterns. The Board of Management will make a further report to the Commission in December.

Forward to