§ Sir D. Kaberryasked the Minister of Health how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.
§ Mr. LoughlinTwo. The minimum price for which a two-course meal is available is 2s. 7d. and the average price 3s. 4d.
The prices are designed to cover cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. Cleaning is provided by the Department 186W as a part of office cleaning. Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited accounts have to be submitted annually to the Establishment Officer and the Treasury Catering Adviser. If through unforeseen circumstances the staff restaurant committee incurs a loss, the Treasury Catering Adviser is required to investigate and give advice designed to ensure that measures are taken to stabilise the trading.