MPs angry at Commons cutbacks

House of Commons authorities have provoked anger among MPs with plans to curb late-night drinking and dining.

Bars will close early and menus will shed luxury dishes to reduce the £6million a year of taxpayers cash used to subsidise the 13 restaurants and eight bars in the Palace of Westminster.

Worst hit by the moves, which follow last year's vote by MPs to end most working days at 7pm, will be the Members' Smoking Room, favoured by Tory knights of the shires and known as the "toffs' bar".

The changes will take effect this week.