§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council whether he will publish in HANSARD as detailed a list as may be readily available giving information as to the charges made for various specified items of food supplied in the House of Commons Members' Dining Room, cafeteria, and Tea Room and the actual or percentage increases made since October, 1964.
Dr. BennettI have been asked to reply.
No detailed records exist in the Refreshment Department of prices in October, 1964, but they were probably the same as those ruling in July, 1966. The changes in prices between that date and the 1st February, 1971 are as follows:
Prices before July, 1966 Prices at 1st February, 1971 Cafeterias s. d. s. d. Tea per cup 5 8 Coffee per cup 7 10 Bread and butter 3 4 Grapefruit cocktail 1 — 1 8 Roast Lamb/two veg. 4 — 6 2 Members' Dining Room Table d'Hôte Lunch Two course 5 — 9 — Three course 6 — 10 5 Table d'Hôte Dinner Two course 5 — 9 — Three course 6 — 10 5 Strangers' Dining Room Table d'Hôte Lunch 10 6 16 4 Table d'Hôte Dinner 12 6 18 10
Banqueting Three course lunch Prices Previous to July, 1966 were negotiated between the Sponsor and the Catering Manager at à la Carte rates 36 7 Four course lunch 45 — Five course lunch 53 5 Three course dinner 36 7 Four course dinner 45 — Five course dinner 53 5 House not sitting dinners only Three course 50 7 Four course 56 3 Five course 67 6
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council whether he is aware of the concern felt by Members of Parliament at the continuing rise in prices charged in the Members' Tea Room, cafeteria, dining rooms, &c.; and what action he has taken, or intends taking, to reduce these prices.
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Dr. BennettI have been asked to reply.
Prices were last raised by the Catering Sub-Committee on 18th January, 1970. Since then the cost of materials has risen and, as may be known, the pay of the staff of the Refreshment Department was increased in December last. Even with the recent vigorous trading, the Department's figures are not showing a profit against increased outgoings. It is with the greatest reluctance that the Sub-Committee have authorised an increase in prices as from 1st February, but this must be done in order to make the accounts break even during the sittings of the House.