§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)asked the Chairman of the Kitchen Committtee, Whether he is aware that in some important particulars the prices are higher in the dining rooms than they were last Session; and, whether the Committee over which he presides will make an effort to have prices brought into conformity with the present prices of meat?
§ THE CHAIRMAN (Sir WILLIAM HART DYKE) (Kent, Dartford)This is not a very easy Question for me to answer; because if I were to give it a categorical denial it would not be courteous to the hon. Member, whereas the House might object to my going fully into the matter in answer to a Question. I do not admit that, in any important particular, the prices are higher than last Session; but there is an extra charge for table-money, for this reason. In the last Parliament there was a table d'hôte dinner at 5.s., with no charge for table-money. At the commencement of this Session some of the new Members desired a change of the system; and the contractor, wishing to comply with their request, agreed to supply joints at fixed charges, thereby subjecting them to table-money. I think, therefore, that is the charge to which the hon. Member refers. As to the latter part of the Question, the hon. Member is aware of 738 the great difficulty which the contractor has to meet in the uncertainty of the demand; and I am of opinion, and the Committee generally are of opinion, that we cannot reasonably expect any considerable reduction in prices; but with regard to one or two small matters they are under consideration.
§ MR. BIGGARI beg to give Notice, Sir, that I will move for a Select Committee to inquire into the whole subject.