HC Deb 16 July 1923 vol 166 cc1878-9
73. Mr. HARDIE

asked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen and Refreshment Rooms Committee, whether he is aware that the prices of food in his various Departments are much higher than outside: and can he say what are the reasons for keeping the prices so high in the Harcourt Room?

Sir JAMES AGG - GARDNER

I am not aware that our prices are in excess of those that are demanded by clubs and restaurants, in a position similar to our Refreshment Department. As regards the final paragraph, there is no difference between the prices charged in the Harcourt Room and the other dining rooms.

Mr. HARDIE

Does the hon. Gentleman say that he is not aware of the prices being higher here than outside? If so, then he has no knowledge—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]

Mr. T. JOHNSTON

Will the hon. Gentleman explain to us what is the justification for the present price of a glass of milk?

Sir J. AGG-GARDNER

I should like notice of that question.

Major ATTLEE

Could not the hon. Gentleman the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee reduce the size of the portion and correspondingly reduce the price of food a la carte?

Sir J. AGG-GARDNER

I will bring that suggestion to the notice of the Committee.

74. Mr. HARDIE

asked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen and Refreshment Rooms Committee, whether he can charge such prices for food as would give a decent wage to all servants and abolish tipping?

Sir J. AGG-GARDNER

We have no reason to doubt that the wage we give our servants is a decent wage, and one with which they are satisfied. The practice of tipping is one over which experience has taught us the Kitchen Committee cannot exercise any control.

Mr. J. JONES

Is it true that the hon. Gentleman has just said that the Kitchen Committee has no control over the kitchen? [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no."] Well, he has just made that statement?

Sir J. AGG-GARDNER

No; I said no control over the practice of tipping.

Mr. HARDIE

Will the hon. Gentleman give us a return of the wages paid to each individual employed in the cooking and refreshment departments?

Sir J. AGG-GARDNER

That has already been done, and a table was incorporated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.