HC Deb 09 December 1946 vol 431 cc755-6
57. Sir W. Smithers

asked the hon. Member for Walthamstow, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what are the salary and allowances in kind of the newly-appointed assistant manager; and if members of the staff of long standing were given the opportunity to apply for the post, in view of the desirability of giving promotion to old servants of this House with many years of experience and knowledge of the requirements of hon. Members and their friends.

Mr. McEntee

The post was publicly advertised at a salary of from £450 to £550 per annum according to the experience of the applicant, and the person appointed will receive the maximum figure. The only allowance in kind is meals when on duty. It was open for anyone to apply for the post, and the successful applicant was considered to have the most useful experience and the highest qualifications.

A person aspiring to fill this post must know not only the requirements of hon. Members and their friends, but how to satisfy them; he must have had experience in the kitchen and in the office; he must know how to select food, drink and equipment, where and how to buy, and to preserve it and keep it in good condition; how to assess the quality and quantity of the stocks required and to keep accurate records. He should know how to recruit and to retain a suitable staff, to look after their welfare and to maintain discipline. In the absence of the General Manager he should be able to provide an efficient service.

Sir W. Smithers

Who could be better qualified for this post than the old and respected friends of hon. Members of this House who have been here for years, and why should the men we have known as friends for years be treated with contempt?

Mr. McEntee

I have already said it was open to anybody to apply. None of the persons referred to applied, but in any circumstances, the fact that a man has been in the service of the House for years does not necessarily make him a good assistant manager.

Mr. Challen

Does the hon. Gentleman really think it is fair towards the existing staff merely to put an advertisement in an evening paper, and not to give them a particular intimation inviting them to apply?

Mr. McEntee

All the staff were well aware that the post had been advertised publicly, and that it was open to anybody who so desired to make application. In fact, none of them made such application.

Mr. Henry Strauss

In the event of a man being found possessing all the qualifications stated by the hon. Member, ought not the man to be made Minister of Food?

Sir W. Smithers

What would the hon. Member do if the whole of the staff walked out?

Mr. McEntee

The staff are perfectly well satisfied where they are. and they will not walk out.

Mr. Speaker

Sir Waldron Smithers.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the hon. Member—

Mr. Speaker

We cannot pursue this Question any further. I was calling the next Question.