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MPs back tap water and vow to cut bottles in Parliament
Jason Beattie and Jonathan Prynn29 Feb 2008
MPs are set to cut back severely on the number of bottles of water drunk at Parliament in response to the Evening Standard's Water on Tap campaign.
At present, more than 100,000 litres of bottled water are sold each year in the Commons bars and restaurants, with a further 16,200 litres supplied free of charge to MPs and staff working on committees.
In addition, 34,000 litres, mainly in water coolers, are provided free for Parliamentary staff. Now a senior MP responsible for the running of Parliament has said it is time to reconsider the practice.
Nick Harvey, Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, told the Standard today: “I'm not satisfied we have a sustainable policy on bottles and we must review it. Public attitudes are shifting very fast." He would like to see the Commons follow large employers who filter tap water on site and provide it in glass bottles.
Hundreds of restaurants, cafés and coffee shops across London have signed up to our campaign since it was launched on Monday. The backers, ranging from The Wolseley in Piccadilly to the Wagamama noodle chain, have said they will provide free tap water without prejudice to diners who ask for it.
A growing number of MPs believe it is no longer acceptable for them to be drinking tens of thousands of litres of bottled water while asking the public to cut back on their consumption.
Former transport minister John Spellar said MPs should take a lead from the campaign. He said: “I welcome the Evening Standard's campaign to have tap water served in restaurants. The House of Commons should now follow that lead and set an example to the rest of the country. It's no good politicians lecturing the rest of the country if they don't set an example and move away from bottled water as quickly as possible."
Almost 40 MPs have signed a Commons motion calling on the authorities “to draw up a plan to stop the purchase of 250,000 bottles of water bought by the House every year".
The Commons has specially labelled bottles provided by Hildon natural mineral water. It is sold for £1 a litre in cafés, £1.20 in dining rooms and £2.70 at banquets but is not subsidised.
