§ 26. Mr. Greenwayasked the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, how many members of the House catering staff are chefs, full or part-time; how many are waiters and waitresses; how these figures compare with 10 years ago; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BeithThe Refreshment Department currently employs 56 chefs of all grades and 63 waiting staff. These figures include both full-time and part-time staff. Ten years ago the comparable figures were 39 chefs and 60 waiting staff.
§ Mr. GreenwayBearing in mind the very high standards of service given by the chefs and waiting staff of the House, and the increase in their number in the past 10 years, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the standard of food served to Members is commensurate with the high standard of performance and the increase in numbers?
§ Mr. BeithThe increase in numbers dates mainly from the introduction of the dual shift system in 1977. I am generally a very satisfied customer of the Dining Rooms of the House, but responsibility for what they serve is a matter for the Services Committee.
§ Mr. Ray PowellWill the Commission consider creating more jobs for waiters and waitresses by allowing visitors, whom most Members receive, to partake of refreshments in the Dining Room or in a special dining room provided for the purpose?
§ Mr. BeithAgain, that is a matter for the Services Committee. The Commission's duty is to ensure that the Refreshment Department has the necessary staff to carry out its responsibilities.
§ Mr. CormackIs it not slightly mischievous of my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway) to congratulate the chefs and then to criticise the food? Will the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) point out to everyone—those who read Hansard as well as those present today—that Members of Parliament pay the economic rate for their meals?
§ Mr. BeithThat is so, and it is borne out by the healthy trading profit that the Refreshment Department normally manages to produce. The Commission will be seeking from the Department targets for its future pricing policy and capital investment, bearing in mind the success that it has achieved so far.