asked the Lord President of the Council what percentage discount has been agreed with each of the various credit card organisations whose cards will now be accepted from Members and others paying their accounts to the Catering Sub-Committee; and how much this will cost in a full year.

I have been asked to reply.No agreement has been reached about discount with any of the credit card organisations, nor is there any prospect of so doing.The following commission, including VAT, is paid by the Refreshment Department:

	Per cent.
Access	4
Barclaycard	5
American Express	5½
Diners Club	5½

The hon. Member will appreciate that the scheme has only recently been introduced, and an estimate cannot be made of the cost in a full year.