Laughing all the way to the banquet Taxpayers fork out £1.2m for lords’ lunches

should be able to decide the laws of the land, and despite overwhelming public opposition, the taxpayer is forced to foot a bill of millions each year to pay for it.”

The Taxpayers’ Alliance campaign manager James Price said: “Taxpayers would be appalled if they realised how much they were forking out to subsidise wealthy MPS and Lords.

“There can be no defence of such naked abuse of taxpayers’ cash, the subsidy must end.”

The Peers’ Dining Room made the biggest loss of the 11 places and was bailed out with £714,773 last year.

In a bid to boost takings, it is opened to the public for a few days a year with a £45 a head menu.

Peers can enjoy an array of delicacies in the House that include truffle gnocchi, Gressingham Duck and seared scallops.

A Lords spokeswoman said: “Our catering services meet the needs of a working House of Parliament.

“Due to the unpredictable nature of sittings and periods where the House doesn’t sit and revenue is not generated, a subsidy is unavoidable.

“The catering subsidy has been reduced by 38% since 2007 and we are working hard to reduce it further.”

Catering facilities in Parliament hit £3.3million in the red last year. In the Commons, £2.1million was paid in food and drink subsidies.

Peers Dining Room is poorest performer

Sweet potato, kale and quinoa cake was featured on a recent menu Gathering inside the House of Lords

SCANDAL Our report yesterday