HC Deb 23 June 1947 vol 439 cc13-5
16. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Works the amount of money spent on Government hospitality at receptions held in London hotels and restaurants; and the amount spent in each establishment for the past year.

Mr. Key

The total expenditure on Government hospitality at receptions held in London hotels and restaurants during the 12 months ended 31st May, 1947, was £4,754 10s. 5d. I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the details of this sum in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the details:

The amount spent in each establishment was as follows:

£ s. d.
Claridges Hotel 1,311 7 9
The Dorchester 727 9 2
Grosvenor House 49 6 1
Gunters Restaurant 201 11 0
The Hyde Park Hotel 157 4 1
The Savoy Hotel 2,307 12 4
Total £4,754 10 5

17. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Works if he will arrange that, in future, all Government hospitality receptions, hotel bookings, etc., are shared out equally amongst those establishments able to provide the necessary accommodation and facilities.

Mr. Key

Every endeavour is made to share entertainment provided by the Government between those establishments which are able to provide the necessary accommodation and facilities.

Sir W. Smithers

May I ask the Minister if all the entertainments and the food provided were subject to the ordinary regulations of the Ministry of Food?

Mr. Key

Certainly, Sir.

Mr. Keeling

Would the Minister agree that quality in Government hospitality is more important than equality?

Mr. Key

I think that that is true and we endeavour as far as we can to create a good impression on our foreign visitors.

18. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Works whether when the Government hold receptions, etc., m London hotels and restaurants, every opportunity is given by means of competitive tender to each suitable establishment to apply; and whether he will give an assurance that these contracts for receptions are given to establishments that abide by the fair wage and condition clause of Government contracts.

Mr. Key

As a rule, Government receptions have to be arranged at very short notice and time does not permit of competitive tendering. With regard to the second part of the Question it has not been considered necessary or appropriate to apply the general conditions of Government contracts to the services which are provided by hotels and restaurants in connection with these receptions.

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