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The Standard is praised as MPs switch to tap water
Jason Beattie, Chief Political Correspondent20.03.08
The Evening Standard has been praised by MPs for backing the use of tap water in restaurants and major organisations.
Labour veteran John Spellar said the Standard's "water on tap" campaign had highlighted a "major environmental issue".
His comments came as House of Commons officials said they hoped to phase out use of bottled water shortly after Easter.
Nick Harvey MP, who speaks on behalf of the Commons authorities, said the issue was "being treated with some urgency".
"The administration committee last considered the issue last year and concluded at the time the current practice of supplying bottled mineral water should continue but I am pleased to report that the department of facilities is re-examining the issue," he said.
The Standard is calling on London restaurants to offer diners free tap water, along with the option of buying still or fizzy from bottles, to remove the stigma of having to ask for it.
Last week, Cabinet Secretary Gus O'Donnell announced that only tap water would be served at Whitehall meetings in future.
Congratulating the Standard and Mr O'Donnell, Mr Spellar said: "This is a major environmental issue, it is also a substantial issue of cost."
He said tap water should be available at all meetings and all dining facilities in Parliament as a "proper alternative" to bottled water.
But a sour note was struck by Liberal Democrat MP Sandra Gidley, whose Romsey constituency includes Hildon, the supplier of the bottled water used in the Commons.
To jeers from MPs, Ms Gidley accused the Commons authorities of bowing to "political-correctness". She said: "I would hope that instead of some stringent adherence to the latest political correctness we are presented with a choice in future."
Her remarks put her at odds with Norman Baker, her party's transport spokesman, who has campaigned against the use of bottled water.
It also emerged that Hildon has clocked up 70,378 miles delivering bottled water to the Commons in the past five years. Since 2003, its lorries have made 914 journeys to drop off bottled water ordered by the Department of Facilities.
Mr Spellar said: "Sandra Gidley is not only wrong but she is completely at odds with her own spokesman, the sanctimonious Norman Baker."
Reader views (2)
Neil, one thing at a time - they normally can only do things on a case by case basis, poor dears.
- Matthew, London
"The Standard is praised as MPs switch to tap water"
Well done Standard, any chance of getting them to change to truth, integrity, honesty, accurate expense claiming etc, etc ?
- Neil Grinsell, London, UK
