§ Mr. Irvingasked the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission (1) if he will estimate the total additional cost to the Refreshment Department of the House sitting (a) from 10.30 pm to midnight and (b) from midnight to 2 am, or for other such periods for which figures are conveniently available; (2) if he will estimate the total additional cost to the House of Commons Commission of the House sitting (a) from 10.30 pm to midnight and (b) from midnight to 2 am, or for other such periods for which figures are conveniently available; and whether it is possible to break the figures down between the various Departments of the House.
§ Mr. BeithThe estimated approximate additional cost of employing the necessary, hourly paid staff of the Refreshment Department when the House sits from 10.30 pm to midnight, and from midnight to 2 am, is £55 and£150, respectively. Information regarding additional staff costs arising in other Departments is not available centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost, since most overtime payments in these Departments are made in the form of annual allowances calculated on the basis of the average hours of sitting of the House over the previous five years. Thus, the financial effect of current late sittings will be felt only in subsequent years.