Question
To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what plans he has to discuss with the appropriate House committees and authorities the possibility of opening House catering facilities on 17 May, in strict compliance with any COVID-19 rules applicable at that time to cafes, bars and restaurants outside the House.
The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. The policy of the House Administration, endorsed by the House of Lords Commission, is to ensure that facilities on the Lords part of the Parliamentary Estate are provided in accordance with the advice of and guidance from Public Health England to ensure a safe and secure environment for members and staff. The Services Committee and the Commission will keep under review the potential for reopening and reconfiguring facilities in line with that guidance, and will be issuing further information in due course.