John Hayes (- Shadow Minister (Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education), Universities and Skills; South Holland & The Deepings, Conservative)

To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how much subsidy was provided for each (a) eatery and (b) bar in the House of Commons part of the Palace of Westminster in the latest period for which figures are available; and what the most recent estimate is of the level of usage of each such outlet by (A) hon. Members, (B) visitors, (C) hon. Members' staff and (D) House staff.

Nick Harvey (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)

The House does not provide a subsidy for individual eateries and bars. In 2008-09 the overall net cost incurred by the catering and retail directorate in the Department of Facilities was some £6.1 million, in accordance with the budget approved by the Finance and Services Committee. This represents the difference between income and the cost of the services provided. Food and drink pricing is agreed by the Finance and Services Committee, with advice from the Administration Committee.

With the exception of the Terrace cafeteria and the Debate self-service restaurant, no information is kept on the level of usage of each outlet by different types of pass holders. An annual survey is conducted in the Terrace cafeteria and the Debate self-service restaurant in order to assess the customer profile over a peak-lunch period. The last survey was held in May 2009, when usage of these outlets was as follows: