HC Deb 08 May 1922 vol 153 cc1795-7
81. Mr. C. WHITE

asked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen and Refreshment Rooms Committee, whether he is aware of the resentment felt by Members of the House of Commons in consequence of the increased charges for liquid refreshments at the bars, smoking rooms, and dining rooms of the House of Commons; that these charges are much higher than those outside the House; and whether he can immediately reduce these charges to their former level?

Sir JAMES AGG-GARDNER

In reply to the hon. Member, I was not aware that any resentment had been created by the slightly increased charge on what the hon. Member describes as "liquid refreshment "—a euphemism, I imagine, for whisky. We have been compelled to add the small amount of one penny per glass of whisky in consequence of the recent deprivation of our Treasury subsidy—a subsidy which had been in existence ever since the present House was built. But our price for whisky is still below the average price at hotels, restaurants, and most clubs, while the measure we supply is more generous.

Mr. WHITE

Now that the Tea Duty has been reduced by 4d., may we expect a reduction in the price of tea in the Tea Room, especially as Members on this side of the House are inveterate tea-drinkers?

82. Mr. MILLS

asked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen and Refreshment Rooms Committee, if he will consider a revision of prices of cold dishes, including veal-and-ham pie, which by comparison with outside prices are considered excessive; and will he consider the advisability of removing the embargo placed upon wives of Members or other lady visitors in the strangers' dining room?

Sir J. AGG-GARDNER

The prices of the dishes referred to include vegetables, cheese, butter, and numerous accessories which should be taken into account when compared with prices elsewhere. In reference to the concluding paragraph of the hon. Gentleman's question, I should have thought that the various rooms on the Terrace floor, where ladies can and do dine in considerable numbers, afford sufficient accommodation without depriving Members of the one room in which they can entertain their male friends at dinner. But I will refer the question to the Committee at their next meeting.

Dr. MURRAY

Why is it that 1s. 6d. is charged for two herrings which only cost ½d. at the port of landing?