§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the usual difference in the prices of food sold at British Restaurants and any ordinary local neighbouring catering establishment of the same size and standing; and to what such differences in price are attributable?
Major Lloyd GeorgeLocal authorities are required by the Ministry to conduct British Restaurants on a fully self-supporting basis. The prices charged for600W meals should be sufficient to cover overhead expenses, including amortisation of capital expenditure, and a small margin for contingencies. The capital expenditure involved in establishing British Restaurants varies, mainly according to the structural adaptations which may be necessary in each case. Running expenses also vary. It is not possible to fix a standard price for meals and I am therefore not in a position to answer my hon. Friend's Question as to the usual difference in price between food sold in British Restaurants and that sold in neighbouring comparable catering establishments. Speaking generally, however, prices in British Restaurants are lower and this is no doubt due to the fact that, as previously stated, these Restaurants are conducted on a self-supporting but not a profit-making basis.