§ 43. Mr. Maitlandasked the hon. Member for Ipswich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he is aware that the waiters employed in this House receive a weekly wage of 31s. 6d. plus tips; and whether arrangements can now be made for the waiters to be paid a regular and reasonable wage and tipping to be abolished?
§ Sir John GanzoniThe Committee is quite in sympathy with the hon. Member's suggestion, but as wages at present absorb 34.68 per cent. of the total receipts, I regret that it is not possible to abolish the present system, unless hon. Members are willing to provide for the increased wage cost by agreeing to the addition of a fixed percentage on their bills.
§ Mr. MaitlandIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is general agreement among Members of this House that the kitchen staff should be paid a regular and reasonable wage, and not be dependent upon precarious tipping, which may or may not be adequate to secure that wage?
§ Sir J. GanzoniIf the majority of Members will assist the Committee in strengthening their hands with the Treasury on this subject, we shall be very grateful.
§ Mr. MathersWhat wage would be required to cause the staff to agree to the abolition of the tipping system?
§ Sir J. GanzoniWe made a computation this summer, and a special report was issued early this year that the sum would be £3,000.
§ Sir J. GanzoniThe Committee would be perfectly willing to do so.