§ Mr. T. Smithasked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what action the Committee 2131W proposes to take to allay the discontent existing among the staff of the Refreshment Department, particularly those who are paid a small retaining fee, insufficient for maintenance, during the Recess, but who are expected to hold themselves in readiness to return to the House at any time; whether it is recognised that the staff have a right to put their case before the Kitchen Committee; why, on a recent occasion, a deputation from the staff were received by himself only as Chairman of the Committee; and whether steps will be taken to establish conditions which will ensure an efficient and contented staff during those times when the Sittings of the House are likely to be intermittent?
§ Mr. Manderasked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, the arrangements made for payment of the staff during the Recess?
§ Mr. Bracewell SmithThe Kitchen Committee have adopted the same procedure as in former years, namely, that during the Recess, full wages will be paid to members of the permanent staff and half wages to members of the retained staff. The Committee are always prepared to discuss relevant matters with the staff and on the occasion referred to, I was asked to see the deputation. The Committee do everything possible, at all times, to establish conditions which will ensure an efficient and contented staff, but owing to the existing financial losses of the Refreshment Department, it would not be advisable to make any further concessions during the Recess.