HC Deb 20 April 1964 vol 693 cc869-70
46. Mr. Rankin

asked the hon. Member for Holland-with-Boston, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether food grown at factory farms is supplied in any of the catering departments of the House for which his Committee is responsible.

Sir H. Butcher

I am sorry that it is not possible to give the hon. Member the information for which he asks. When purchasing supplies, the Refreshment Department carefully considers availability, quality and price, and purchases are made from reputable wholesalers who have, in most cases, supplied the Department for many years.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the importance of this subject, am I to understand that the Kitchen Committee buys for consumption in this building food about the origin of which it has no knowledge whatever? Does the hon. Gentleman think that this is a proper method of conducting his business? Will he assure the House now that he will make some attempt to ascertain the sources of the food for which he is responsible to this House?

Sir H. Butcher

I think that, if we continue to follow the custom of dealing with reputable wholesalers, the health services of this country will be able to function without assistance from the Kitchen Committee.

Mr. Rankin

Is it quite outwith the range of the hon. Gentleman's responsibilities to ascertain from the wholesalers who supply him and, through him, the House whence comes the food which he is purchasing?

Sir H. Butcher

It would serve very little purpose if the names and addresses of the producers were made known to the Refreshment Department, which has to rely on purchasing on quality and price, assisted by the skilled buyers serving the Department, and dealing with wholesalers who have served us for a very long time.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Will my hon. Friend please find out from the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) exactly what is meant by—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is not for the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee to make inquiries of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Rankin

But, Mr. Speaker, is the House to assume—

Mr. Speaker

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman is doing. Is he rising to some point of order?

Mr. Rankin

I am sorry, Mr. Speaker. I thought that you called me.

Mr. Speaker

No