§ 80. Mr. Thurtleasked the hon. and gallant Member for Ipswich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he will approach the Treasury with a view to getting the annual subvention to the Refreshment Department which was withdrawn in 1922 restored, in order that the 977 tipping system at present in vogue might be abolished?
§ Sir John GanzoniThe answer is in the affirmative, but the committee cannot undertake, if successful, to earmark the whole sum or any specified amount for the abolition of tipping, owing to the loss that has now been made for many years upon the annual accounts.
§ Mr. ThurtleDoes the hon. Baronet agree that, if this subvention be obtained, at least he will be able to devote sufficient of it to dispensing with the practice of tipping?
§ Sir J. GanzoniWe will deal with that matter when the contingency arises.
§ Mr. HardieIn view of the fact that many Members cannot afford to go to the dining room, could not some other arrangement be made as an in-between? Why should Members of this House go outside when they have the best kitchen in the world, and every appurtenance they require?
§ Mr. ThurtleMay I put this point to the hon. Baronet? Is he aware that I have not asked him to apply for this subvention in order to utilise this money for other purposes?
§ Sir J. GanzoniI can only inform the hon. Member that the idea of applying for the restoration of the subvention had occurred to the committee before the hon. Member put his question. His point will certainly be considered.
§ Mr. HardieWhy should there be a subvention? It is inefficiency.