HC Deb 01 August 1939 vol 350 cc2165-6
61. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, as only £2,500 is needed to pay full wages to 70 per cent. of the staff in the Kitchen Department, the proportion liable to dismissal, he will arrange to advance a sum of money sufficient to maintain the staff until the end of the year, pending further consideration, so as to avoid their instant dismissal this week?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

The conditions of Service of the staff of the Kitchen Department and any financial arrangements in connection therewith are a matter for consideration by the Kitchen Committee.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the staff at the Law Courts, although they do not work the full year, are paid in full?

Captain Crookshank

I know nothing about the Law Courts.

Mr. Crossley

Can the right hon. And gallant Gentleman say whether, at any time within the last three years, the Kitchen Committee have asked for any subvention from the Treasury?

Captain Crookshank

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Even though the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is indifferent to the Law Courts is that any reason why he should be in-different to the cause of the servants of this House?

Mr. Arthur Greenwood

Is it not the case—I asked a question about it last week—that it was formerly an established tradition that there should be a Treasury grant for this purpose because it is impossible to run the Refreshment Department of this House on an ordinary commercial basis; and will not the right hon. Gentleman now consider making a Treasury grant?

Captain Crookshank

The conditions are quite different now from what they were, but, as I have already said, these are all questions for the consideration of the Kitchen Committee, whose chairman I see as usual, in his place. Perhaps these questions might be addressed to him.

Mr. Maxton

Does the Minister say that the Members of this House have no right to question him as to the financial arrangements which may be made by the Government in relation to the Kitchen Committee's work?

Captain Crookshank

No, Sir; I do not say that, but the Kitchen Committee is the usual channel in this case.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Would this involve a charge upon the taxpayers?

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not vitally necessary that something should be done?