BEXLEYHEATH and Crayford David Evennett MP has failed in his attempt to block the rise in price of a Commons cuppa.

Controversy was brewing over a proposal to raise the cost of a cup of tea in the Palace of Westminster from 65p to 70p.

Conservative Mr Evennett tried to halt the 7.7 per cent hike in his capacity as a member of the House of Commons Administration Committee which deals with all aspects of Parliamentary administration.

But the measure was carried at a meeting of the committee last week, along with price rises for other subsidised food and drink which aim to save the taxpayer £25,000 a year – of which the more expensive tea will save £10,000.

Mr Evennett said: “We do need to raise more revenue to reduce the taxpayer subsidy of Parliament and I feel alcoholic drinks and other charges should rise.

“However, in April, the price of tea will rise by 5p to 70p after a 5p increase last September, and I was concerned for the considerable number of staff who work in Parliament and are not readily able to go elsewhere.

“I did not support the price rise for tea but I supported the other price rises for catering.”