Mrs Johnston asked the Speaker, upon notice, on 3 October 1996:

(1)   What was the cost of the stocktake of crockery and cutlery in Parliament House on 3 October 1996.

(2)   What was the purpose of the stocktake and what savings are expected as a result of it.

Mr Speaker —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1)   No costs were incurred by the Joint House Department as the stocktake was undertaken by staff of the Hyatt Hotel Canberra's Room Service Section. There may have been some salary or wage costs for the Parliamentary attendants who assisted with access to Members' suites.

(2)   In terms of the contract between the Joint House Department, representing the Commonwealth, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and Advanced Food Systems for the provision of catering services in Parliament House, the contractors are obliged to maintain safe custody and control of cutlery and crockery that have been provided by the Commonwealth for catering services. From time to time, and at the request of a number of Members, Room Service staff of the Hyatt Hotel, under supervision of Parliamentary attendants, collect cutlery and crockery from office suites in the building. This reduces considerably the need for the purchase of replacement items.