Report on Catering and Retail Services published
10 May 2011
In a report published today, the Administration Committee makes proposals to cut catering costs in the House of Commons by £1.25 million by 2014 - 15, and to widen access to cafes and restaurants
Recommendations include:
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further proposals for future cost savings
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opening restaurants and the Terrace to the public for meals or afternoon teas on days when Parliament is not sitting
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a staff discount scheme
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generating more income through merchandising, including a new high street shop
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looking at the possibility of merging Commons and Lords catering services to save on shared costs
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widening access to dining rooms, and giving journalists in the Press Gallery access to a restaurant in Portcullis House instead of their own dining room
Committee Chair Sir Alan Haselhurst said:
"The House of Commons is more like a small town then a large organisation. Our catering service provides 7-8,000 meals a day. The catering provided for MPs and the thousands of staff and others who work in Parliament, and the thousands more who visit, needs to be provided as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. The proposals we have made today would see substantial cost savings, while opening up more of our facilities to staff and visitors."