§ 46. Mr. Greyasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the holding of official 788 banquets and receptions, at a time when famine is prevalent in Europe, offends good taste and is resented by the general public; and if he will direct that only such functions as are absolutely necessary shall take place and that those shall assume proportions comparable with austerity endured by the common people.
§ The Prime MinisterThe considerations to which my hon. Friend refers are very much in all our minds and I agree with him that it is most desirable that due economy in food consumption shall be exercised by all both on official and unofficial occasions.
§ Wing-Commander HulbertWould the Prime Minister give an assurance in regard to use of the Food and Hospitality Fund, and see that there will not be so many Government banquets?
§ The Prime MinisterI think I have expressed in my answer my view with regard to hospitality.
§ Mr. J. Langford-HoltMay I ask the Prime Minister if, when making the selection for the hotels in which these banquets are to be held, he will consult the Minister of Labour?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not select hotels for banquets.