HC Deb 21 December 1966 vol 738 cc1415-6
36. Mr. Rankin

asked the Lord President of the Council what inquiries have been conducted into the reasons for the losses of the Refreshment Department of the House of Commons; and if he will now make a report on the matter.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Richard Crossman)

The Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) has not yet completed its investigations into the reasons for the losses of the Refreshment Department, but it hopes to be able to make a report to the House soon after the Recess.

Mr. Rankin

Would my right hon. Friend convey to the new manager our best wishes for his success in his job and assure him that he will get all possible support from the House? When the stage of making a report has been reached will my right hon. Friend consider publishing that report and making it available to hon. Members?

Mr. Crossman

I thank my hon. Friend for that message, which I will pass on to the new manager. The question of publishing the report is something that we will have to consider when we have received the result of the investigations.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Can the Lord President say when the Committee will be in a position to improve staff wages?

Mr. Crossman

That is quite a different question.