HC Deb 29 November 1955 vol 546 cc194-5W
111. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he is aware that the Committee's policy of letting rooms for dinners, luncheons and teas is increasingly inconveniencing Members who wish to entertain guests from at home and abroad: and whether he will make a statement.

Sir W. Steward

As part of its endeavour to balance the acounts of the Refreshment Department, and to keep prices charged to Members as low as possible, the Kitchen Committee decided in February of this year to allow individual Members to book the Harcourt Room for functions on Monday evenings. This arrangement worked smoothly till last Monday, 21st November, when there was an exceptionally large attendance of Members at the House. The Committee has now requested the manager not to accept bookings for Mondays in future when a large attendance can reasonably be foreseen.

112. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, to what organisations the Harcourt Room has been made available for luncheons or dinners since the present Government have been in power.

Sir W. Steward

The Harcourt Room is never made available to organisations. It is sometimes let to individual Members who wish to entertain a large number of guests. Since the present Government took office, two hon. Members from this side of the House and two hon. Members opposite have booked it for luncheons or dinners.