Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Hollobone and Tom Brake

Thursday 21st February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Tom Brake]

Again, I completely fail to detect a question there for me. However, I am sure SNP Members will have noted the suggestion that they should work closely with the Conservative Government in the Division Lobby.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

6. What the annual cost is of running the escalators from the underground car park.

[Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington)]

The maximum annual energy cost of running the escalator has been calculated as £2,820, including VAT.

[Mr Hollobone]

This escalator is running all the time yet, compared with the escalator between the main estate and Portcullis House, it is used relatively infrequently. Would it be possible to install a button so that it operates only when required?

[Tom Brake]

It may be that the hon. Gentleman does not burn the midnight oil and therefore may not be aware that, in fact, the escalator is switched off manually by engineers control between midnight and 6 am on sitting days and between 6 pm and 6 am during recess. He will be pleased to hear that the escalator is also switched off at the weekend. It is also fitted with sensors that slow down the motor when it has not been used in the previous few minutes.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Hollobone and Tom Brake

Thursday 29th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Tom Brake]

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that in this place we push hard for very high quality produce, which is often British-sourced. The overwhelming majority of food throughout the catering establishments is British. If he is suggesting that we should adopt a “buy British” policy, I am sure he aware that that is not something that we can do in practice.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

As the House of Commons Commission is encouraging British-produced food and drink on the parliamentary estate, may I commend to the right hon. Gentleman Weetabix breakfast cereal made in Burton Latimer and Warner Edwards gin made in Harrington—both within the Kettering constituency—as appropriate for the start and end of the parliamentary day?

[Tom Brake]

The hon. Gentleman’s love of Weetabix is now on the record.

Leaving the European Union

Debate between Philip Hollobone and Tom Brake

Monday 19th November 2018 Westminster Hall

[Tom Brake]

On a point of order, Mr Hollobone. I seek your guidance on whether it is appropriate for Members who have taken part in this debate to tweet during it and to use the word “betrayal”. Would you agree, Mr Hollobone, that using that word in such a heated discussion is something that Members should know to avoid? We are trying to work in a reasoned and safe manner, as far as possible. The use of the word “betrayal” potentially has risks associated with it.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair)]

I refer Members to Mr Speaker’s quick guide to participating in the Chamber and Westminster Hall, in which he states that a Member should not insult another Member or accuse them of lying. Whether “betrayal” is an insult or not is probably subjective. Mr Brake has made his point and it is on the record.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Hollobone and Tom Brake

Thursday 7th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

5. What estimate the Commission has made of the level of financial subsidy on sales of alcohol on the parliamentary estate in each of the last three years.

[Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington)]

There is no direct financial subsidy on alcohol sales in the House of Commons. Alcohol is sold in House of Commons bars and some catering venues, and at banqueting and events, achieving a gross profit margin of some 69%. The profit of some £1 million a year helps to offset the total cost of catering.

[Mr Hollobone]

I am pleased to hear that there is no subsidy of alcohol sales on the parliamentary estate. There have been some recent, well-reported incidents of bad behaviour in bars on the estate. What steps are the Commission taking to prevent such incidents?

[Tom Brake]

The hon. Gentleman may be aware of the incident a couple of days ago in the Sports and Social Club, which is run by the House of Lords. An investigation is under way, and the issue is under review for the reasons that he has set out.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Philip Hollobone and Tom Brake

Thursday 26th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Tom Brake]

I did not hear in any of the earlier contributions any suggestion that we should stay at home to do our voting, and I am sure that the SNP representatives here today would not favour that approach either.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

As a Minister in the previous coalition Government and now as a Back Bencher, the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that one of the advantages for Back Benchers of voting in person is that Ministers have no escape from Back Benchers who want to collar them to raise local and national issues.