As part of plans to reduce Parliament’s supported catering bill, it has been suggested that the Palace of Westminster should be opened up to the public when not in use by the Commons.

A proposal that was put forward by the Commons Administration Committee, it has also been recommended that even the historic setting of Westminster Hall is made available for private functions for a figure of around £25,000 a time.

Other areas that could be hired out for such events include the Terrace overlooking the River Thames, with plans for all dining options within the parliamentary set-up designed to lower the £5.7 million yearly loss made by the Westminster catering operation by 50 per cent.

The plans are also reported to be the result of ongoing health and lifestyle changes, reducing the need for such formal lunch occasions and thus leaving Parliament’s four key dining areas under-utilised.
Whilst steps have already been made to reduce catering losses, security is a clear concern, with it “neither feasible nor desirable” for the public to be granted usage of any facilities whilst the House is in sitting, according to MPs.

An MP report has, however, stated that there are no reservations with the idea in principle, as long as the security issues can be addressed and it gets agreement from the House of Commons, the House of Lords and also the Queen. The same report also revealed the view that enabling access to the parliamentary dining areas for private functions would help to raise public knowledge and appreciation of the role that Parliament plays.

Posted by Hayley on the 23rd May 2011