§ 94. Mr. BOWERMANasked the right hon. Member for West Essex, as representing the Kitchen Committee, whether in creases of wages or war bonuses have been granted to the staff employed in the refreshment department to enable them to meet the increased cost of living; and, if not, whether the matter will receive the consideration of the Kitchen Committee?
§ Colonel LOCKWOODIn answer to the hon. Member I have to say that I am rather in the position Juvenal sings of—"Contabit vacuus coram latrone viator. "We have not enough funds. All our workers have their meals at our expense on the premises.
§ Mr. BOWERMANAs it appears to be not a question of good will but of money, will the institution of a meatless day once a week assist the right hon. Gentleman financially?
§ Colonel LOCKWOODI should be very glad to have the opinion of the House on this matter. Up to the present time the House has always followed the maxim of qui facet per alium facit per se, and they have been thoroughly satisfied with the vicarious sacrifice of the proletariat. But I really should like to have some opinion from the House on the question.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYOn a point of Order. Did not you rule, Sir, that Irish was not to be spoken?
§ Mr. BOWERMANI will put another question next week, after I have carefully considered the right hon. Gentleman's reply.