House of Commons could open up for weddings and corporate events | Politics | The Guardian

House of Commons could open up for weddings and corporate events

MPs have been told in a meeting that there are proposals to 'extend the facilities to the general public' to raise money

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• Polly Curtis, Whitehall correspondent
• guardian.co.uk, Friday 11 February 2011 19.29 GMT
• Article history

The Palace of Westminster is considering new ways of raising money. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Its dusty corridors bear the deep scars of politics, with carpets worn away by the pacing of prime ministers. Its tearooms have seen the plotting of rebellions, its lobbies centuries of scandal.

All of that may now have to make a little room as the Palace of Westminster considers opening its doors to the public to help pay its way in the age of austerity. Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the parliamentary estate, could become the most coveted venue for a corporate bash, and the terrace, where MPs drink alfresco in the summer, could become the de rigueur wedding venue.

The House of Commons is considering renting itself out for weddings and corporate dos, opening up its private dining rooms to the public, and developing new lines of tourist tat to help raise money as it battles with a 17% reduction in its budget. Some MPs warn that the plans could "cheapen" the institution.

The Commons caterers are developing proposals to allow visitors to use the dining facilities, from the Adjournment bistro to the fine-dining Churchill rooms.

Sue Harrison, director of catering and retail services, told the Commons administration committee that they had developed proposals to "extend the facilities to the general public" to solve the problem of a lack of custom during the long parliamentary recesses. Currently, the public can tour the Commons for free with an invitation from an MP, or pay a £15 entry fee during recess and on Saturdays. But officials now want to capitalise further.

According to transcripts of the meeting, Harrison said they are looking at whether "it would be appropriate and possible to open some of our facilities more widely to the general public."

Thomas Docherty, the Labour MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, asked her: "There is a possibility of a more commercial operation at weekends and during recess ... What benefit do you see in opening the facilities that we have to non-member pass holders during the week, and looking to try to raise a significant sum by using the facilities at weekends and during recess on a more commercial footing, whether that be through catering blue-chip events, civil ceremony receptions or whatever else?" Harrison confirmed the option is being considered.

Sir Alan Haselhurst, chair of the administration committee, said it was too early to reveal details of the plans, which are still under consideration. "We have lots of ideas and no conclusions as yet," he said. "We would rather not take the negative view of cut, cut, cut, and instead find ways to raise, raise, raise."

The transcripts also reveal that they are considering new lines of tourist paraphernalia beyond the Big Ben pens and diaries. Last week, Valentine's chocolates with the House of Commons logo went on sale.

Bob Russell, Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester said: "There is a risk that this will cheapen the institution. The issue is, what is this place for? I don't think events in Westminster Hall would cheapen it. If you started having candy floss and kiss-me-quick on the terrace, that would."

via guardian.co.uk