§ 43. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Lord President of the Council why foreign cheeses have been removed from the menu in the Members' Dining Room.
§ Mr. CrossmanFor the past three months it has been the policy of the Refreshment Department to purchase cheeses only from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. If, however, there is evidence of demand for foreign cheeses, this policy will be reconsidered.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this very, very serious matter arose from my anxiety—my hereditary anxiety—to eat Dutch cheese? Will he therefore accept that there is a very considerable demand for this cheese?
§ Mr. CrossmanI really could not take evidence of demand solely from the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but I must admit to him that I myself would be prepared to provide some evidence, if required, to my hon. Friend the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee when he returns from abroad.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunDoes my right hon. Friend think that it enhances the reputation of Parliament when working people read that hon. Members are bothering their heads in this Chamber with footling questions like this?
§ Mr. CrossmanIt is for hon. Members themselves to decide what they ask. However, I believe that it would be helpful if they would put detailed points of this sort to me and the Services Committee in writing rather than in Questions.