§ Lord Ampthillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they propose to make any changes in the arrangements for funding the House of Lords Refreshment Department.
§ Lord SoamesThe present financial arrangements for funding the Refreshment Department were set out by my noble friend Lord Ferrers in a Written Answer on 31st March 1980.
As from 1st April 1981 the department's staff costs will continue to be borne on the House of Lords Vote. The department will be required to trade on the basis of a 50 per cent. gross profit on turnover. After payment of overheads and of costs attributable to private functions, the department will surrender its net profits to the Exchequer. The Civil Service Catering Organisation are now conducting a full review of the workings of the department and their report will be considered in due course, including any recommendations they may make on the implementations of the new trading basis.
House adjourned at twenty-four minutes before four o'clock.