HC Deb 07 July 1943 vol 390 cc2089-90
51. Sir Waldron Smatters

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the average receipt per customer served in restaurants of the Londoners' Meals Service is 12.26 per cent., and the average expenditure 11.60 per cent., he will explain how these undertakings do not make a gross profit?

Mr. Mabane

I presume my hon. Friend means "pence per meal" and not "per cent." Although at the present time the income of the Londoners' Meals Service exceeds expenditure, the trading accounts for the whole period since the inception of the Service still show a deficit.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the fact that the Ministry, and therefore this House, helps with the financial side of the meals service, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the meals service is being

Mr. Holdsworth

Can the hon. Gentleman inform Members where they can be bought?