§ 56. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the average charge and the average cost of meals under the meals service of the London County Council?
§ Mr. MabaneAt the present time the average receipt per customer served in restaurants of the Londoners' Meals Service is 12.26 pence and the average expenditure 11.60 pence.
§ 57 and 58. Sir W. Smithersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether he is satisfied with the efficiency of the co-operation between the London County Council, the local agent and the local superintendents in the running of the restaurants for the Londoners' Meals Service;
(2) in view of the fact that the number of teachers employed in the meals service of the London County Council has been reduced, whether he will see that they are replaced by caterers with professional knowledge so as to ensure the best results in the administration of the restaurants in the service of the public?
§ Mr. MabaneResponsibility for the operation of the Londoners' Meals Service, including the appointment and supervision of staff, rests with the London County Council, which has administered its undertaking, in difficult circumstances, in an admirable manner. My Noble Friend therefore sees no reason for the adoption of the course suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Sir W. SmithersIn view of the fact that the hon. Gentleman's Ministry has been charged with the efficient and economical distribution of food, will he set up an inquiry under an independent chairman to inquire into the meals service of the L.C.C.?
§ Mr. MabaneNo, Sir. I think that general experience is that the Londoners' Meals Service is excellently administered, and many hon. Members have had very good meals there.
§ Sir W. SmithersOn a point of Order. Will the hon. Gentleman answer my Question?
§ Mr. MabaneThe answer is, No, Sir.