§ 45. Mr. Doddsasked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what action he has taken to ensure that the fullest use is made of the Refreshment Rooms to offset the estimated loss of £14,000 turnover arising from the impending dissolution of Parliament.
Mr. StewardNothing can be done in respect of the period 6th to 26th May, when there will be no Members of this House. From 27th May onwards, a number of functions have been booked and every effort will be made to encourage this source of revenue, after the new Parliament assembles.
§ Mr. DoddsIn view of the splendid results that were obtained in last year's accounts, does the hon. Gentleman think, in view of this heavy loss of turnover, that it will be possible that next year's accounts can be out of the red, or does he think that the age of miracles has passed?
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the Kitchen Committee taking out an insurance policy to safeguard its funds against loss arising from cancellations of functions arranged by Tory Members to celebrate victories that will not take place?
§ Commander DonaldsonDid the figures which my hon. Friend gave at the end of December, which were so favourable, include the Government subsidy for payment of staff during the normal Summer Recess last year? Would this not help to offset the figure mentioned by the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds)?
Mr. StewardThe figure of £424 profit last year ignored all subsidy or, as it is better known, grant-in-aid. When the grant-in-aid was added, the figure was over £11,000. The loss which is estimated this year will, I think, be recoverable through grant-in-aid, but I am, of course, always hoping that we can manage without grant-in-aid. That will be our aim when the House resumes.