§ Mr. Cryerasked the Lord President of the Council whether he will take steps to provide catering facilities for the public in the Palace of Westminster; and if he has considered utilising the Royal Gallery for this purpose.
§ Mr. WellbelovedI have been asked to reply.
Successive Catering Sub-Committees have given much thought to the question of opening the facilities of the Refreshment Department to a wider public, particularly during recesses, but mainly for security reasons this has not been proceeded with. However, the proposal is currently under consideration again, as it could make a valuable contribution to the income of the Refreshment Department.
Control of the Royal Gallery is vested in the Lord Great Chamberlain.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Lord President of the Council what was the loss in the year ended 31st March 1976 on the operation of: (a) the Harcourt Room and (b) private dining rooms.
§ Mr. WellbelovedI have been asked to reply.
The losses for the period in question were: (a) Harcourt Room, £16,328: and (b) private dining rooms (Terrace) £54,263.