Parliament bars could open to public

The exclusive bars, eateries and function rooms of Parliament could be opened up to the public.

Tourists could soon be offered cream teas on the famous Thames-side Terrace, and Westminster Hall could be hired out for high end private functions at £25,000 a time.

The proposals are part of a package designed to nearly halve the £5.7m annual loss made by the catering operation at Westminster.

But MPs are refusing to save £145,000 a year by giving up waiter service in their private dining room.