HC Deb 12 May 1971 vol 817 cc376-7
41. Mr. Lipton

asked the Lord President of the Council what arrangements have been made for the future management of the Refreshment Department.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

I am glad to be able to tell the House that the Catering Sub-Committee have appointed as the new manager of the Refreshment Department Mr. Smillie, at the same rate of salary as his predecessor. Mr. Smillie has served the Refreshment Department for the last four years as personnel manager and for the last few weeks has acted as manager and he has proved himself to be highly efficient in both capacities.

Mr. Lipton

Will the hon. Gentleman be just a little more forthcoming? Has any contract been entered into with Versa-Serve Ltd., a subsidiary of J. Lyons & Company Limited? Will he also explain why applicants for the post of Refreshment Department manager were interviewed at the Strand Palace Hotel? Was this consistent with the dignity of this House?

Dr. Bennett

The Versa-Serve Ltd. contract has not yet been drawn up. We have been rather preoccupied in getting a manager. We are receiving great help from Versa-Serve Ltd. I hope that the help that it is giving will enable the Department to function more efficiently. As for the interviewing of candidates, Versa-Serve Ltd. advertised, in the first instance, on our behalf and sent an adequate short list of candidates to the subcommittee which did the choosing.

Mr. Raphael Tuck

Will the hon. Gentleman turn his attention to the conditions and the food in the Members' cafeteria downstairs where the meat and fish and watery vegetables which we have to consume are a disgrace?

Dr. Bennett

I am only too well aware of the shortcomings in the cafeteria department. Some of the recommendations which we have had and have passed for putting into operation apply to that department. I hope that the service will improve.