Parliament may open to diners

Members of the public will be able to dine like an MP at evenings and weekends under plans to open up Parliament's grand dining rooms to generate millions of pounds in revenue.

The House of Commons management board must save £63m by 2015. Price increases on food in Parliament have failed to raise the planned £100,000 a month. Now Jill Pay, the Serjeant-at-Arms, is under pressure to alter security to allow birthday parties, anniversaries and corporate events.

Sue Harrison, the director of catering, said: "A lot of people who visit the House would be highly delighted to have a meal – and would be prepared to pay for the privilege."