CATERING AND FUNCTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE ELEVENTH MEETING

5 October 2000

HELD ON THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2000 AT 12.00 NOON 
IN ROOM 106

Present: Sir John Gorman
Ms J Morrice
Ms M Gildernew

In the Chair: Sir John Gorman

In Attendance: Mr T Evans, Miss C Nolan, Mr J Floyd

Apologies: Mr PJ Bradley, Mr P Berry

1. Minutes of the eighth, ninth and tenth meetings were accepted.

2. MATTERS ARISING

There were no items discussed.

3. DELOITTE AND TOUCHE REPORT

The purpose of the meeting was to consider the key recommendations of the report.

3.1 Delivery Options

Members agreed that the catering service should remain outsourced and that the existing Mount Charles contract should be extended for 12-18 months.

3.2 Shop

Members agreed that the layout of the new shop needs to be examined and that responsibility for the development of the shop should rest with the Gift Shop Committee or could be remitted to the Catering and Functions Committee.

3.3 Pricing Policy

Members agreed that a pricing policy needed to be developed mirroring existing Westminster Policies.

3.4 Financial Information

Mr Floyd informed the group that the proforma recommended by Deloitte and Touches is in current operation. Statements are being collected on a monthly basis.

3.5 Basement Restaurant

Mr Floyd updated members on the new restaurant area located in the basement which will be used as a tours facility.

3.6 Members' Dining Room

Members agreed with the recommendation that the Members' dining room should be split (initially on a 50 / 50 basis).

Ms Morrice highlighted concerns over the additional price costs for Members. Members felt that an initial increase of 25% would be fairer with a rise to 50% over a set period of time and in line with evaluation of services.

3.7 Members' Coffee Lounge

Mr Floyd informed Members that these recommendations were already in place.

3.8 Members' Bar

Members were in agreement with the report recommendations.

3.9 Function Facilities

Members supported the recommendations set out in the report.

3.10 Press Bar

Members agreed with recommendations but felt that a needs analysis survey should be conducted to trawl the views of staff.

Ms Morrice proposed that the Commission examine the possibility of extending the Press Bar out into the courtyard.

Ms Gildernew felt that marketing and renaming of the bar needed to be considered in order to create a more user friendly atmosphere.

4. PRESENTATION OF REPORT TO THE COMMISSION

4.1 Mr Evans to write a draft report on the key recommendations and the Committee's views on the individual recommendations. The draft report to be circulated to all committee members for comment with the approved report going to the Commission meeting on 18 October.

5. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

Meeting with the Assembly Commission on 18 October 2000.

TOM EVANS
Room 103