HC Deb 11 July 1949 vol 467 c34
64. Mr. Heathcoat Amory

asked the hon. Member for Walthamstow West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he is aware of the propensity of the ice-cream machine in the cafeteria to break down instantly in a heatwave; and what steps he is taking to prevent this occurrence.

Mr. McEntee

Yes, Sir, I am always made aware of such important matters. The machine is the property of a firm supplying ice cream to the House, and they were immediately informed of its bad habits. They replied that it would be thoroughly overhauled, and, if necessary, replaced at the earliest opportunity by a new one, which, I trust will show a greater sense of its responsibility to hon. Members and others who are authorised to use the cafeteria. The old machine is at present working satisfactorily.

Mr. Amory

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is an impression among the patrons of the cafeteria that at times, when the ice cream system is operating under strain, the principles of multilateral non-discrimination as between the Members and the Strangers' Dining Rooms and the cafeteria are not being strictly adhered to?

Mr. McEntee

There is no discrimination; the same kind of ice cream is supplied to all.