HC Deb 18 March 1931 vol 249 cc2026-8
49. Mr. HURD

asked the hon. Member for the Gorton Division, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he will state whether and to what extent the coffee of Kenya and other parts of the Empire is served to Members in preference to foreign coffee?

Mr. COMPTON

I can assure the hon. Member only Empire-grown coffee is used in the refreshment department, that at present in use consists of a blend of Kenya, Blue Mountain Jamaica and Mysore.

Mr. LEIF JONES

Is my hon. Friend aware that the coffee sold in the House is dear and is not good, and will he take steps to obtain the best coffee irrespective of where it may be grown?

Sir G. HAMILTON

Shame!

Mr. COMPTON

The Kitchen Committee have to give effect to the Resolution of this House which provides that Empire produce shall be supplied?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Could not the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Camborne (Mr. Leif Jones) drink tea?

Mr. ERNEST BROWN

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that, quite apart from the origin of the coffee, there is a good deal of dissatisfaction with the making of the coffee? It is disgusting stuff.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is there any member of the Kitchen Committee who understands how to make coffee?

Mr. COMPTON

Yes, I can assure the Noble Lady that the staff is quite as competent in this House as in any other place.

50. Mr. WISE

asked the hon. Member for the Gorton Division, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he will state by what percentage the average price of foodstuffs supplied to Members and officials has been reduced in the period from June, 1929, to January, 1931, during which the Board of Trade wholesale price index declined 21 per cent. and the Ministry of Labour cost-of-living index declined 6 per cent.?

Mr. COMPTON

There has been no general reduction in the prices charged to Members and officials during the period mentioned. The Kitchen Committee records show that the fall, if any, in the prices of the highest grades of National Mark meat, eggs, poultry, vegetables and other home-grown or Empire produce as used in the Refreshment Department of this House in infinitesimal. The Committee regret their inability further to reduce the already low prices charged for foodstuffs supplied.

Mr. WISE

Will the hon. Member convey that information to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in connection with the recent reductions of civil servants' wages?

51. Mr. MORLEY

asked the hon. Member for the Gorton Division, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if the committee is prepared to consider the abolition of the tipping system in the dining rooms of the House and the substitution therefor of a reasonable annual salary, say £260 a year, for the staff of waiters?

Mr. COMPTON

In reply, I should like the House to appreciate what this suggestion would cost. The receipts of the Kitchen Committee average about £34,000 per annum. To pay the 35 waiters regularly employed the amount suggested would take £9,100, 27 per cent. of our total revenue. I should be grateful if the hon. Member can inform me where the committee are to find the money to pay the remaining 81 members of the refreshment department staff, whose salaries and wages would, I presume, have to be increased in proportion. In the circumstances, I regret that it will be impossible to entertain the suggestion put forward.

Mr. MORLEY

Will the committee at least consider increasing the present low standard of wages paid to the waiters?

Mr. COMPTON

I rather resent that statement. The wages paid in this House are higher than in any comparable employment in the City of London. The House must appreciate the fact that any increase of wages must come out of the pockets of hon. Members.

Mr. McSHANE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the tipping system is regarded as degrading, and that there are some Members of this House who find it difficult, and in fact seldom enter the room, because of this tipping system which, I say quite frankly, they cannot afford?

Mr. COMPTON

The committee are fully alive to that fact, but it is very difficult to avoid the tipping system, or to abolish it unless you put the extra cost on the prices charged.

Mr. HARDIE

Has any evidence been taken from the waiters as to whether they would be agreeable to take a standard wage instead of tips?

Mr. COMPTON

I have made personal investigation, and I find many difficulties in the way. In fact, I have, on a previous occasion, made an offer to the waiters that, if they would approach the committee through their usual trade union, we should certainly deal with the matter.