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Refreshment Department Services Inquiry
Public Evidence Session 29 November 2005
Submissions from Witnesses
1. Press Gallery 2. Trade Union Side 3. Secretaries and Assistants Council 4. TGWU 5. CPA
1. Parliamentary Press Gallery The Parliamentary Press Gallery represents the 300 or so journalists accredited by the Serjeant at Arms, of whom around 170 are based permanently in accommodation provided by the Commons. These facilities have the following catering services:
~ Cafeteria ~ Waiter service dining room ~ Banqueting services for monthly lunches and occasional reception functions in the Press dining room ~ Bar
The cafeteria, dining room and bar are also used by staff of the Official Report.
These services are highly valued by members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery who work extended hours which span a period from 7.30 am to midnight or 1.00 am after critical votes. Although these services are provided only when the House is sitting, the Press Gallery is the permanent base of its members and is in use almost every day of the year.
Cafeteria This provides hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks on a counter service basis. It is the most popular and widely used of our catering facilities and is of particular importance as at times journalists have only a brief time in which to have a meal whilst covering debates, committee hearings or other parliamentary business. Although this service is highly valued there is and has been for some time concern amongst members of the Press Gallery about the quality of the hot food served. We have raised this with the Refreshment Department and understand and accept that this is due to the age and condition of the kitchens and equipment at the disposal of the staff, of whom we have no criticism and whose work is much appreciated. As a result, however, some of our members tend to eat elsewhere in the Palace.
Dining Room This is a table service restaurant within the Press Gallery. It is the only place within the Palace of Westminster in which our members can book a table in their own name and entertain at their own expense a Member, Officer of the House, Peer or other guest. It provides good food and service. In addition it is the venue for our monthly lunches, at which the guest speaker is normally a government or opposition spokesperson, and the oniy suitable space in which we can hold fUnctions (such as the reception for new Members of Parliament which took place in June this year). It is therefore of central importance. Like many of the refreshment facilities within the House, its custom appears to have fallen off following the changes in sitting hours. However, on evenings during which there are critical votes in the House the dining room gets very busy and is of vital importance.
Bar This is a popular facility which we understand to be one of the busiest within the Palace. Whilst it is used particularly in the evenings, it is an important part of our monthly lunch arrangements (at which most of the guests are Members or Peers) and is a focus for the social life of the Gallery.
The Future The Parliamentary Estates Department has informed us of plans to replace and re-equip the kitchens that serve the Press Gallery's catering facilities as part of a project to renovate the whole Press Gallery area. We are in discussions about the precise plans to reconfigure the bar, cafeteria and dining room in locations deemed to be more efficient by the Palace and which will allow us to maximise office accommodation. We are informed that these works may take place in the summer recesses 2006 and 2007.
If work to replace the kitchens and reconfigure the facilities goes ahead as planned we would hope to achieve more flexible services which make optimum use of space and encourage useage. In particular we would like to see an area where hot drinks (coffee/cappuccino/tea/mineral water etc.) could be available throughout the day in the manner of the Despatch Box in Portcullis House. We feel that this would help retain business within the Press Gallery and so avoid adding to queues at other popular venues at peak times.
Given that the House is planning to invest in improved catering facilities, and that the Press Gallery is in use throughout Parliamentary recesses, we would urge that consideration be given to keeping open some basic functions throughout the calendar year, for example, the bar and basic cafeteria counter service.
Separately we have been informed about plans to renovate the south roof of the Palace over the Press Gallery dining room. We understand that starting in the spring of next year these works may result in the restriction or temporary closure of our catering facilities. If that is the case we would wish to open discussions with the House on how temporary replacements may be put in place to replicate our existing facilities for the duration of the works, namely: a counter-service cafeteria, waiter service restaurant, monthly banqueting facilities (for up to 80-90 people), an occasional function room and, if affected, the bar.
We would be happy to answer questions on any of the points covered in our submission and to talk to the Administration Committee if required.
John Hipwood, Chairman, and Greg Hurst, Hon.
Secretary.
2. House of Commons Whitley Committee Trade Union Side The Refreshment Department do an excellent job in providing food and drink for the many people who work in the House of Commons, their guests, the press and members of the Civil Service. The range of food has expanded to cater for different tastes and dietary requirements. However, there is a huge problem of overcrowding (which we discuss in points 1 to 7 below) in many of the House of Commons refreshment facilities, and prices (11 and 12 below) are now getting beyond the reach of some of our members. Finally we make some ancillary points (13-16). We hope that you will accept our suggestions. We have developed this paper as much as possible in accordance with your Information Notice no.2. If you are taking oral evidence we would be happy, as on previous occasions, to expand on it. 1. Outbuildings. Norman Shaw North and Norman Shaw South: There is no refreshment facility in these buildings, which house large numbers of Members' staff. A cafeteria here, similar to the one in Millbank, would greatly relieve overcrowding elsewhere. The loft area or covering the courtyard would seem to be possible. Provision of joint facilities with the Lords in No. 1 Millbank might also be a solution. 2. Terrace Cafeteria: Since the closure of the Westminster Hall cafeteria, the problem of overcrowding in the Terrace Cafeteria has worsened substantially. We ask for the partition in the Terrace Cafeteria to be removed. The Members' area is often greatly underused and Members have many other facilities at which to eat, whereas staff in the Palace have the Terrace Cafeteria only. If it was impossible to abolish the Members' area, then we would suggest replacing the permanent partition with lighter screens, which the staff would move each day to deal with anticipated demand. For instance, on sitting Fridays, the Members' area is generally empty and the staff area grossly overcrowded. 3. Terrace Cafeteria layout: The hot drinks area becomes overcrowded and needs more space, which would lessen the general problem of overcrowding in the area. A single queue serving area should be arranged, with self-service for vegetables (as with salad). 4. Terrace Pavilion: Staff can use the Terrace Pavilion on Mondays and Fridays only. Access should be allowed throughout the week. This would lessen demand on the Terrace Cafeteria. 5. Bellamy's Clubroom: Ever since Bellamy's coffee lounge was converted into a Members' Clubroom, the TUS have campaigned for it to revert to its former use. Many members of staff previously used the facility, thus freeing up room in the main Bellamy's cafeteria. The clubroom is greatly underused in its present form, a point raised with the Catering Committee in 2002. 6. Bellamy's Gift Kiosk: Could this now vacant area be converted into a sandwich and hot drinks outlet, similar to the Despatch Box in Portcullis House? This, combined with the change to the Clubroom, would greatly help to alleviate the problem of overcrowding in Bellamy's . 7. Press Facilities: Precious space is being set aside to cater for a relatively small number of political correspondents, as distinct from a large parliamentary reporting staff as was originally intended when the Press Dining Room and cafeteria were established. Ordinary staff should now have access to these facilities, so as to relieve pressure on the Terrace, which, as we discuss in 2 above, is now the only general facility in the Palace. 8. Security Staff and Contractors: Perhaps a dedicated canteen for police and Security Officers could be established? The Security Officers have quite extensive staff rooms, and one might be converted. Could more port-a-cabins selling refreshments be made available for contractors, as was the case last summer recess? 9. Meeting/Reading areas: The use of cafeterias as meeting/reading areas leads to problems of overcrowding. Could possible alternatives be publicised, such as Bellamy's Bar? 10. Outlets open during recess: overcrowding is exacerbated during recesses, particularly short ones, when some outlets are closed for the duration. While we appreciate that management has to make the best use of staffing levels available to them, could more be done to prevent the lengthy queues that build, for example, in the Debate when Bellamy's cafeteria is closed? 11. Pricing: Pricing differentials were tried a few years ago and were a good idea in principle-for example, lowering the price of meals outside the most congested time-but it might well disadvantage the lower-paid members of staff who often do not have the luxury of deciding when to take their lunch breaks. Fruit and vegetables are too expensive in comparison with less healthy options, and there is too much disparity between breakfast costs, which are relatively low, and the higher prices for lunch. In general, the pricing structure should encourage the consumption of fruit, salad, and vegetables We appreciate, of course, that the RD are under pressure to reduce the cost of their operation through imposition of the cap. We would point out, however, as did the Deputy Leader of the House in Westminster Hall on 3 November (col 373WH) that staff have to use the catering facilities, because of unsocial hours and lack of alternatives. Many of the staff are on average or low salaries, and the imposition of higher prices would be a serious matter for them. We are certainly against the general raising of prices. 12. Self-clear: Self-clearing should be the rule throughout the cafeterias. The turnover of tables is slowed down by the amount of debris left behind. Clearing staff impose extra costs on the RD. 13. Guests: The facility for staff to take guests into RD outlets is greatly prized, and should be retained, though we accept it is not unreasonable to exclude the very peak time of 1245-1330. 14. Vending machines: There should be more choice of low calorie cold drinks from the machines, and some of the machines are not well sited. 15. Access: The current rules on access exacerbate tensions between Officers of the House and other members of staff, as Officers have access to many refreshment facilities from which other staff are barred. We favour the opening of these refreshment facilities to staff across the House wherever possible, especially as a number of these facilities are under-used. 16. Saturday openings: some staff, such as those working in PWSD, are required to work weekends, when there is no refreshment facility open onsite. Could a venue operate on Saturdays, perhaps between breakfast and lunch, to accommodate such staff?
3. The Secretaries' and Assistants' Council
Access Regulations It is apparent to Members' Staff that access regulations regarding the Debate, Bellamy's and the terrace cafeteria are now in abeyance. We have in the past raised concerns at the excessive number of visitors using the facilities, particularly at lunch times, that under the existing arrangements are not entitled to. When this has been raised with Catering Department management we are told that they do not have the staff to enforce the access regulations. A clear definition of passes and access would be most appreciated. The Catering Department uses the term 'Full Pass' within the access regulations. According to the Serjeant at Arm Department this refers to grey passes only.
To illustrate this point may we draw your attention to lobby (copper) pass holders. This group of pass holders appear to be able to use all the Debate, Terrace and Bellamy's cafeterias at any time yet have near exclusive use of the Press Gallery Cafeteria. You may be interested to know that House of Commons catering facilities are regularly used by Press pass holders working from 1 Millbank. This is because our cafeteria food is better (so we are told) than that provided at 1 Millbank.
We feel that there is insufficient publicity given to access concessions regarding Fridays and recess periods. It would be useful, particularly if there is a review, if we might be better informed of where we may eat and on which day, as well as being told where we may not eat. Would it be possible or practical to have one of the three cafeterias dedicated to pass holders only? The current arrangements are clearly not working.
Effective use of accommodation We do not feel that the best use is made of the accommodation. There is overcrowding in the Terrace Cafeteria and also in Bellamy's Cafeteria. We wish to see the partition removed completely from the Terrace Cafeteria and the Club room at No 1 Parliament Street opened to all. We have suggested in the past that the Club room could be used for cold food; serving salads and sandwiches. Another ill used area is the old gift shop in No 1 Parliament Street, could this not be utilised to sell sandwiches or coffee at peak times? Would it be possible for the Press Cafeteria to be open to all with an alternative menu to the 'traditional' fare that this cafeteria has generally offered?
Subsidy arrangements As a group, we are not as of right, privy to the arrangements for the subsidising of the catering department and as such it is difficult for us to comment on the impact. We are aware that the dining rooms receive a greater subsidy than the Cafeterias; is this because of staffing and contractual obligations? We are always surprised to see that it takes six staff from the dining rooms to provide holiday cover for the three staff that work in the Adjournment, Portcullis House, when the House is sitting.
Another matter, we should be interested to know; from which subsidy pot the cost of catering staff food and beverages are charged; does this come from the general subsidy of cafeteria food (if there is one) or from the catering department employment budget? Surely we must ask, what is the ethos behind the subsidy?
Costs and profits can easily be hidden. We would ask you to consider the House of Commons breakfast; this is available in a multiple for three, five or seven items, three items costing from £1.75. Items are also priced individually Sausages 60p Fried Egg 35p tomatoes 45p etc. Depending on the items selected there can be an enormous disparity, a difference of one third of the cost of three items. Is a subsidy being used to encourage us to eat more or is this a method of claw back?
Sandwiches, pre packed salads and deserts whilst reasonable in price rarely appear fresh, better value can be found outside the Palace from independent sandwich shop. Would the House consider franchising an outlet? A 350 mil Americano costs £1.55 from Caf6 Nero, a £1.60 Americano from the Despatch box yields 400 Mil.
Over the past two years we have seen a cut back in the availability of cafeterias available to Members' Staff during recesses, though the House may not be sitting we are certainly still working, to take out a newly refurbished cafeteria for the whole of summer recess (Bellamy's) seems to be a waste of the investment. Portcullis House was pushed to cope at different times as they ran out of sandwiches and some dishes. In the past we have been told that vending machines were available as an alternative, three out of the four in Portcullis House have now been removed and not replaced.
We do appreciate that some of the points we make may not be directly relevant to the question of the subsidy but we raise them to illustrate our concerns; how much more must be charged to food provided in cafeterias before break even is reached if that is the aim? Will this be reached before it is cost effective to eat outside of the work place or bring in one's own food?
4. Gary Kent on behalf of TGWU
Parliament and parliamentarians employ a large number of people. We believe that Parliament should provide a good level of refreshments for those who work here and, like other large employers, this should involve a reasonable subsidy, not least for those who are low paid.
The Committee says that it does not intend to reverse the reductions in subsidy and we would urge the Committee to make no further cuts in the subsidies.
We would also appreciate the opportunity to share our experiences and concerns with the Catering Committee and to meet the Chairman on a quarterly basis, as previously agreed with the former Chairman, Dennis Turner MP.
5. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
Background The CPA UK Branch spends in excess of £16,000 per year (£13,500 in FY 2004/2005) from its Grant-in-Aid budget in the Refreshment Department of the House of Commons, with a smaller sum of some £1,000 to the House of Lords' Refreshment Department, in support of its programme by:
· Entertaining visiting groups (up to 60) of parliamentarians in the dining rooms for lunches and dinners as part of the core activities of the Branch · Entertaining visiting Commonwealth parliamentarians in the dining rooms throughout the year · Purchasing gifts from the shops for both outward and inward delegations
The Branch works on behalf of its members in both Houses and considers that all the activities of the Refreshment Department should be of the highest standard, reflecting all that is good about British cuisine and goods and give the best value for money (vfm).
The Challenges We recognise the complexities of running the House of Commons Refreshment Department and complement the catering and restaurant staff for their cheerfulness and patience. However, we should like the Administration Committee to consider and address the following challenges: · A wider range of menus in Dining Rooms A-C incorporating regional dishes and curries, with less heavy menus being available · A much speedier service in the Churchill Room at lunch times, when timings are particularly tight · The Terrace Pavilion buffet being available from Easter on; the buffet makes entertaining very flexible in terms of timing and dietary restrictions. The venue is popular, but a better maitre'd service is required. · A speedier service in the Adjournment restaurant, where the menu is lighter, and the installation of an much more effective extractor system · Charges should be the same as for members as there appears to be an anomaly between the Strangers and Members Dining Rooms - the Branch entertains members' guests and members. · A complete revamp of the House of Commons' Shop with better facilities, a wider and better range of quality goods (the House of Lords' Shop has much better goods that are also better vfm) and a more helpful and friendly staff · Access for Staff. The Terrace Restaurant and the Debate are crowded at lunchtimes. Should there continue to be a separate area reserved for members at the Terrace?
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