§ 60. Sir W. Smithersasked the hon. Member for West Walthamstow, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he will give in convenient categories the amount and value of equipment missing from the Catering Department for each of the two calendar years ending 31st December, 1947, and 1948.
§ Mr. McEnteeThere are a great number of different articles within the general term "Equipment" and to specify them in different categories would involve too much labour. The total number missing under the heading "Plate and Cutlery" at the date of stocktaking in 1947 was 1,234 and in 1948 the total was 1,784. Since those dates some of the missing articles have been recovered, and 34 the figures include articles broken and worn out. It is not possible to assess the value of these items, with the exception of a number of teaspoons, as they were purchased prior to the war and no details of prices paid are available.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs no record kept of the amount of equipment under the control of the Kitchen Committee? Is there no record of how much is lost?
§ Mr. McEnteeYes, there is a full record kept, and it is checked annually by a professional firm of stocktakers from outside.
§ Mr. RentonCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the replacement value of these article is assessed, and if so, will he tell us what it is?
§ Mr. McEnteeThese articles are looked upon, and always have been, as expendable articles. They wear out or get broken and they are replaced from time to time. All the replacements are shown in the books and the numbers are available for any hon. Member to see at any time.