HC Deb 26 May 1924 vol 174 cc43-4W
Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the circumstances under which a monopoly of the catering at the British Empire Exhibition has been granted to Messrs. Lyons and Company; whether they hold a contract entitling them to such monopoly; when it expires and what provision the contract contains enabling it to be terminated in the event of the catering being unsatisfactory?

Mr. LUNN

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that the contract whereby Messrs. J. Lyons and Company, Limited, were granted a virtual monopoly of the catering rights at the exhibition was made only after the fullest consideration of all tale circumstances and after public tenders had been called for. I understand that the contract is for the period of the exhibition, and that it contains the usual safeguards against unsatisfactory service.