asked the Lord Privy Seal for what category of hon. Members' functions it is proposed to use the Westminster Hall Cafeteria; whether it is proposed that a charge will be made; what representations he received in advance of the resolution of the Services Committee favouring such a course of action; if he will seek to increase the time available for consultation before implementation of the proposal; and if he will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.The Refreshment Department proposes to use the Westminster Hall Cafeteria as a banqueting room available to Members and Officers of the House on the same terms and conditions as for Banqueting accommodation elsewhere.Full consultation took place with representatives of the regular users of the Westminster Hall Cafeteria before the Services Committee resolution of 17 February; and the General Purposes Sub-Committee of the House of Commons Whitley Committee have been invited to comment before the end of March. Subject to these and any other representations that may be received by that date, the Services Committee has agreed that the proposal may be implemented after the Easter Adjournment.On all changes in the Refreshment Department, it is the policy of the Catering sub-Committee to have wide ranging consultations, and in this particular case consultations were commenced in December 1986.