§ 42. Mr. Loughlinasked the Lord President of the Council what steps he is prepared to take to improve the quality, quantity and service of meals served in the Members' Cafeteria, in view of the prices charged.
Dr. BennettI have been asked to reply.
There have been extensive changes in staff and equipment in recent months to improve the service in the Members' Cafeteria. We are constantly watching the quality and quantity of food served.
§ Mr. LoughlinIt might be a good idea if the hon. Gentleman had a meal in the Cafeteria at some time. Is he aware that a great proportion of the Members who use the Cafeteria continually complain about the quality and quantity of meals there? Is he also aware that 38p, which is 7s. 9d. in old currency, for the miserable one dish which is served there is scandalous? If the hon. Gentleman has a meal in the Cafeteria will he, in the tradition of highway robbery, wear a mask?
Dr. BennettThere seem to be a number of points in that supplementary question. I have a meal in the Cafeteria from time to time. I must tell the hon. Gentleman that it is losing about £120 a week—so we cannot say that our prices more than cover staff outgoings. We have 28 improved the service. We have cleared away a good deal of poor equipment and we are increasing the supervision of the service. I trust that next summer we shall re-equip the kitchen. As long as we keep an eye on all these matters, that is all we can hope to do.
§ Dame Irene WardWill my hon. Friend convey to the staff of the Member's Cafeteria how much we appreciate the pleasant way in which they try to serve us?
Dr. BennettI thank my hon. Friend for that tribute. The staff have very difficult surroundings to work in, which I hope we shall improve. I shall convey my hon. Friend's thanks to the staff.