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MPs haven't the bottle to change to tap water
Joe Murphy, Political Editor25.04.08
MPs have caused outrage by refusing to be served London tap water.
In a decision that flies in the face of environmental advice, the Commons authorities are clinging to bottled mineral water "on cost and hygiene grounds".
A committee decreed that bottled water was cheaper to serve - even though mains water does not cost a penny. And despite London tap water being praised for its quality, the MPs deemed it risky to use carafes atmeetings.
The Commons reviewed its drinking water supplies after the Standard's successful Water on Tap campaign was launched to remove the stigma when diners ask for it in restaurants.
In a breakthrough, 10 Downing Street decided to switch to flasks of chilled tap water for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell wrote to every Whitehall department urging them to consider the change.
MPs drink 30,000 litres of bottled water provided free during meetings of select committees each year. Although there are water coolers in the Palace of Westminster, members and their staff have bought some 850,000 litres over the past five years from canteens and bars.
The Commons even boasts its own "House of Commons" label, produced by the Hildon company in Broughton, Hampshire. Lorries have clocked up more than 70,000 miles over five years delivering water from there to Westminster.
But the cross-party Administration Committee decided to stick with the status quo at ameeting on 1 April. Committee chairman Frank Doran said: "The committee looked at all the options and decided on the grounds of cost and hygiene that there was no better solution than the one in use at the moment. However, this is something the committee could look at again in future."
Former minister John Spellar said: "I find it disappointing and extraordinary that MPs, who are constantly lecturing the public on cutting carbon footprints and helping the environment, are not prepared to take simple steps themselves."
Labour MP Mr Spellar said there were "considerable environmental consequences" of transporting water and in terms of packaging.
Jeanette Longfield, of Sustain, which campaigns against bottled water, said: "It makes them look like fools. When the rest of government has been instructed not to waste taxpayers' money on bottled water, who the hell do MPs think they are? The standard of drinking water is astonishingly high."
The Lords has also refused to use carafes of tap water because of time constraints and hygiene. However, it commissioned a feasibility study into a plant at Westminster to bottle mains water.
Reader views (8)
What people fail to notice is that the actual water within the bottles is a lot nicer than that which comes out of the taps. If you lived in Scotland -as I did-, tap water would be fine, however in London it really is not very nice.
I think MPs have shown some sense here, and expressing their human right after detailed and concentrated discussions of the issue!
- Chris John,, London, England
Do as I say, not as I do, just like the smoking ban, which does not apply in the House of Commons bar !!
- Neil Grinsell, London
Because some are more equal than others, a great example of the gap between MPs and reality.
- Gordon Calver, London
MPs yet again showing how out of touch with reality they are, we tax you to the hilt with our new green taxes but don't expect any of them to apply to us! One can't help but compare their current arrogance to the behaviour of the Nazi party under Hitler.
- R Hughes, Sydenham
It makes you wonder what they've put in it if they wouldn't touch it.
- Jimbob, Kensington
Could this be a tiny glimmer of commonsense finally speaking up against the environmental mafia?
This is very heartening. The self-righteous twaddle about tap water has already turned me into a committed drinker of bottled water.
- Ken, Bexleyheath
Well the hygiene problem can be solved easily. Don;t touch the MPs! All covered in sleaze and nasty hangers on. Maybe they all need to wash their hands more?
- Mark, London, UK
Put tap water in the carafes, if the "honourable" MPs want to drink mineral water then they can bring their own - not to be claimed back on expenses of course!
- Dave, London
