Mr. T. F. RICHARDSasked the right hon. Member for the Epping Division of 1089 Essex, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he can state the amount of remuneration made to waiters and waitresses employed in that department from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., and the amount usually paid afterwards until the rising of the House; whether the amount of remuneration is equal to double time for all hours engaged, as is the custom of most organised employés; and whether he can take such action in this matter as will adequately recompense these employés?
§ Colonel LOCKWOODThe amount of extra remuneration paid to the staff of the Refreshment Department who are kept on duty after 11 p.m. is as follows: From 11 p.m. to 1.30 a.m., half-day's pay extra; from 11 p.m. to 3.30 a.m. (or later), one day's pay extra. The Committee consider this adequately recompenses their employés, as many of them finish their duties on Friday, and are not required again till the Monday, and are in receipt of pay during this interval. Only half of the staff are kept on duty after 9.30 p.m., alternative nights. I may add that the zeal shown by His Majesty's Government for late sittings has caused a very heavy drain upon our resources, so any further recompense will have to come from the Development Grant.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIn view of the heavy drain upon the Kitchen Committee, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman apply to the Government for an extra subsidy?
§ Colonel LOCKWOODI shall be delighted to do so.