§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Arthur Lewis. Next Question. Sausages—[Laughter.]
§ 39. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council what brand of sausage is sold in the Members' Cafeteria; on what basis he charges Members 7s. 6d. per lb for these sausages; and whether he will change his purchases to one of the retailers, details of which have been supplied to him, who are able to supply sausages at 4s. 4d. per lb to 4s. 8d. per lb and reduce the price charged in the Members' Tea Room.
Dr. BennettI have been asked to reply.
I doubt if this is a matter of wide public interest. I will write to the hon. Member with any details that he requires.
§ Mr. LewisThat is a most unsatisfactory reply. I have been trying to get proof from the Kitchen Committee, but have failed, that prices have gone up 1707 300 to 400 per cent. since Members of Parliament last had an increase. As the Leader of the House seems reluctant to get action going speedily on the salary question, may I ask whether he or the Government will at least take steps to control the prices charged by the Catering Department? For prices to go up 300 or 400 per cent. when country Members have no other place to eat is surely something which the Kitchen Committee could deal with. It is not the case with the Civil Service canteens. Their prices have not gone up 300 or 400 per cent.
Dr. BennettI assure the hon. Gentleman that I shall be very glad to place at his disposal all the figures of the costings and selling prices which he may desire. I also assure him that the facts are not quite so alarming as they appear to be from the allegations which he has made.