§ 26. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in the allocation of the new contracts for catering at the British Empire Exhibition; the management has laid down any conditions as to quality and prices of food?
§ 27. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what arrangements, if any, have been made with the various caterers at the British Empire Exhibition with regard to the utilisation of the products of the British Empire in their respective establishments?
Mr. SAMUELI am informed by the authorities of the British Empire Exhibition that it is stipulated in all the catering contracts that the refreshments shall be sound and wholesome, and that Empire materials only shall be used, wherever such a course be reasonably possible.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESHas any stipulation been made with regard to reasonable prices?
Mr. SAMUELCompetition will produce reasonable prices. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] A number of competing catering firms are doing the business this year, and the public will, no doubt, go to those firms which give the best value and the best food.
§ Mr. B. SMITHHas the hon. Gentleman considered that they might as well come together to put up prices as come together to pull down prices.