HC Deb 09 March 1971 vol 813 cc89-90W
Mr. Garrett

asked the Lord President of the Council which are the places open after midnight for refreshment when the House is sitting; what is the cost of staffing them; and what is the income for each sitting after midnight since 1st January, 1971.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

After midnight the Members' Smoking Room, Tea Room, the Strangers' Cafeteria and Bar and the Members' Cafeteria and Bar are usually kept open. The income and costs on recent nights have been as follows:

Date Time of Closing Labour Costs Income
a.m. £ £
18th January 12.24 7
26th January 1.10 13 7
27th January 12.34 8 2
28th January 5.27 58 10
1st February 12.31 7 1
2nd February 12.37 7
8th February 2.10 18 6
9th February 1.27 12 5
10th February 2.38 19 7
11th February 4.55 38 8
15th February 11.00 50 18
16th February 1.50 17 6
17th February 3.40 40 8
22nd February 3.31 42 8
23rd February 2.04 17 5
24th February 3.35 39 9
25th February 4.15 42 8
2nd March 6.10 50 14
4th March 12.30 7 1

The total additional labour costs over the period have been £491, and the total money taken has been £123.

Mr. Garrett

asked the Lord President of the Council what has been the percentage turnover in staff employed in the catering services of the House of Commons since 1st January, 1971; and what were the reasons given by those members of the staff who left.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

The percentage turnover in staff employed by the Refreshment Department since 1st January is 17.6 per cent. The main reason given for leaving is the long hours.