HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 cc866-8
65. Dr. King

asked the honourable Member for Bristol, North-East as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he will arrange to give the staff on duty in the Cafeteria, Tea Room and Smoke Room, some relief or rest during their duties in an all-night sitting.

Mr. Coldrick

In replying, I wish to express our full appreciation of the service rendered by the whole of the staff retained on 14th June in very trying circumstances. I am sure the whole House is grateful. The question of staff arrangements is under consideration and the outcome will be determined largely by the attitude of the House of Commons to the Kitchen Committee's Report, which is to come up for consideration. The matter of relief as suggested will receive proper consideration.

Dr. King

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask if he is aware that on the night of the all-night Sitting, women behind the counter were on duty at four o'clock in the afternoon and had only one slight relief throughout the whole of that time? In view of the likelihood of further all-night Sittings cannot some emergency arrangements be made?

Mr. Coldrick

We are aware of the problem involved in this matter, but there is a limit to the number of staff that can be actually engaged. If we had kept back sufficient staff to relieve those who were engaged, there would not have been sufficient staff to provide food the following day. While we are conscious of the hardship suffered, as I have indicated, the whole matter will have to be reconsidered so far as the House is concerned.

Mr. Vane

If these trying circumstances are repeated tonight, or on some other night, will the hon. Member be able to arrange a relief staff, or for some other improvement, so that the service Members can have will be a good deal better?

Mr. Coldrick

Every effort is being made to meet any contingency which may arise, but I would suggest that it would be advisable for Members themselves to run the House in such a way that we can definitely anticipate the needs.

Mr. John Cooper

Is not my hon. Friend aware that statutory regulations would be violated if this happened in private enterprise?

Mr. Coldrick

I am well aware that anyone concerned with private enterprise would not attempt to provide Members with food in the circumstances which prevail in this House.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

May we take it, then, that the hon. Member will suggest to the Leader of the House that we shall have adequate time to discuss the Finance Bill?

Mr. Coldrick

I am not placing the responsibility on the Government. I presume that it is within the competence of Members to decide what are to be the arrangements so far as the future running of the House is concerned.