§ 61. Jim KnightTo ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what assessment he has made of the new visitors' facility in Westminster Hall; and what plans he has to extend the facilities further. [65361]
§ Mr. KirkwoodOpening up Parliament to the public is one of the Commission's strategic aims, and the Jubilee Cafe, which was opened by Mr. Speaker in May, is a welcome development. It seats 100, serves modestly priced light refreshments and is fully wheelchair accessible. It also provides long-overdue toilet facilities for visitors. It is still too soon to make any formal assessment of the success of the new facilities, although early feedback from visitors indicates a high level of satisfaction with the range and quality of food provided. The Finance and Services Committee has asked for a full report from the Director of Catering Services in the autumn.
More generally, a feasibility study on visitor facilities for Parliament is currently under way and will shortly make recommendations. These will include options for an information and visitor centre.