§ 63. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the menu at the Lord Mayor's banquet; and, if so, what is the text of the Food Controller's Regulations under which the arrangements for this dinner fell?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Care was taken to ensure that the total quantities of meat, flour, bread, and sugar consumed at the dinner should not exceed the amount prescribed by Clause 3 of the Public Meals Order, 1917.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it not a fact that, owing to the agitation in this House and in the Press, the whole menu was altered at the last moment, and the food, instead of being consumed, was wasted?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is entirely contrary to the fact. When the invitation was sent, the Prime Minister at once raised the question, and from the beginning the menu was declared to be according to the Food Controller's Regulations.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the menu that the Prime Minister received before was identical with the one used at the banquet?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Prime Minister did not receive any menu, but received an assurance, which has been carried out to the letter.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf the quality of the speeches was as good as the food, there was nothing to complain of.