Member News
The decision to open the press bar and restaurant to all passholders "increased revenues and added to the life of the facilities", MPs have been told.
Giving evidence to the administration committee George Parker, chairman of the press gallery, said that given the need to make savings in the Commons catering operations, other restaurants should widen access.
He suggested that journalists be allowed to use The Adjournment and the Churchill Room to boost revenues.
Parker also rejected proposals to close the press bar and restaurant, Moncrieff's, to save money.
He said widening access to Moncrieff's had increased takings and been a "productive and positive experience".
Committee chair Sir Alan Haselhurst told Parker there would be "some nervousness" about giving journalists more access, especially in a world of blogs and Twitter.
He asked what assurances could be given that MPs would not find their private conversations reported.
Parker said he understood those concerns, but pointed out that lobby rules are already in place.
Kevan Jones (Lab, North Durham) said the most recent refurbishment of Moncrieff's and other press facilities cost £7.5m, a fact that was never reported in the press.
He also complained that he never reads stories about journalists eating subsidised food, or the fact they do not pay market rates to rent offices on the Parliamentary estate.
Thomas Docherty (Lab, Dunfermline and West Fife) asked why the lobby would want access to MP-only restaurants.
Parker replied that like members, journalists want to take their guests or visitors to "nice places to eat", especially in the evening when choice is limited and Moncrieff's is closed.
He also said the lobby "like mixing with MPs".
Parker pointed out that the press facilities are used for lunches, receptions and other social occasions.
Plans to cut the cost of Parliament by over £20m by 2015 drawn up by the House of Commons management board were circulated to MPs and parliamentary staff last week.
Over half of the savings (£12.3m) will kick in during the next financial year with £3.7m more in 2012/13 and £3.8m in 2013/14.
Commons authorities are committed to reducing costs by at least 17 per cent in real terms by 2014/15 in line with reductions being made across the wider public sector.
No final decisions have yet been taken, but the House of Commons Commission will be asked to agree a cost reduction plan at a meeting on December 13.
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