HC Deb 20 December 1945 vol 417 cc1702-4W
Sir W. Smithers

asked the hon. Member for West Walthamstow, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what gratuity-each of the six retiring members of his staff received from the late Sir A. Jacoby Fund; and if he will make their pensions 30s. a week; and how many of the staff are still employed who are 65 years of age or over.

Mr. McEntee

The amount of gratuity that was given was£ 50, £ 40, £ 25 plus a further £5 5s. od., £ 21, £ 40.and nil. It is regretted that there are not funds available to make the increase requested. The reply to the latter part of the Question is four.

Mr. Driberg

asked the hon. Member for West Walthamstow, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what action is taken generally in response to comments by hon. Members in the suggestion-book in the Members' dining-room; what action has been taken in response to comments by the hon. and learned Member for North Aberdeen and the hon. Member for Maldon, on various recent dates, and by the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty, on 17th October and 3rd December, the criticism made on the former date not having been dealt with by the latter date; and why summary replies to hon. Members' comments are no longer written in this book, in accordance with former practice.

Mr. McEntee

The Kitchen Committee are desirous of meeting the wishes of Members as far as it is reasonably possible to do so. The suggestions of the hon. and learned Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. H Hughes) and that of the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty have been dealt with, I believe to their satisfaction. There have been a number of suggestions and comments, someof them not in very good taste, by the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg). Where it was found possible and reasonable to arrange an improvement this has been done, but I cannot accept some of his statements or his interpretations of items on the menu cards. Where it is necessary and desirable to make summary replies to hon. Members who write suggestions or complaints in the book this will be done, but I trust it will be realised that catering under existing conditions is an onerous and difficult job.

Mr. Driberg

asked the hon. Member for West Walthamstow as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, how much has now been contributed by hon. Members to the staff Christmas fund.

Mr. McEntee

The amount that has now been contributed to the Staff Christmas fund is £ 256 16s. 6d.