HC Deb 02 April 1912 vol 36 cc1037-8
Mr. STANLEY WILSON

asked the right hon. Member for the Epping Division, as Chairman of the. Kitchen Committee, whether there is any intention of altering the price of the dinner for which the charge hitherto has been 1s.?

Colonel LOCKWOOD

The Kitchen Committee recently appointed will consider the question on the first opportunity. I have traced the constitutional history of the 1s. dinner to its source. In May, 1899, it was introduced to Members, and consisted of choice of three joints (one helping), with vegetables, cheese, butter, and bread. On 17th May, 1905, the 1s. dinner was made to include the choice of two sweets in addition to joint (sometimes three helpings), vegetables, cheese, butter, and bread. Members will see that on the foundation laid in May, 1899, a superstructure has been raised that is a regular "skyscraper." Since 1905 rare and refreshing dinners have dropped into hon. Members mouths, who have been receiving nearly 1s. 6d. for 1s. The dinner is now partaken of by over 50 per cent. of the House. To show how great is the consumption of dinners in this House at the price of 1s., I quote the following figures: Number of meals served in the Members' dining rooms during the week ending 15th March, 1912, was 1,329. Of these 805 of the bills were 1s., approximately 60 per cent.; week ending 23rd March, 1912, the number was 2,090, and of these 1,126 of the bills were 1s., approximately 54 per cent.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask in view of the fact that Members now get £400 per year—

Earl WINTERTON

Scandalous.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the dinner ought either to be reduced or the price increased?

Colonel LOCKWOOD

I will lay the Noble Lord's suggestion before the Kitchen Committee.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not the fad that the price of champagne sold to Members is five shillings per bottle below the price for which they could buy it outside and will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of increasing the price of the champagne?

Colonel LOCKWOOD

Rather following the example of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which I always try to follow, we put on a super-tax, and the price of champagne has been considerably raised during the last year and a-half.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it not the fact that it is five shillings per bottle less than the price at which they could buy it outside?

Colonel LOCKWOOD

It depends on where the hon. Member buys it.

Mr. W. THORNE

May I say I never buy any at all.