§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up a study to examine whether the present subsidy per staff member on National Health Service catering of £70.19 per annum for a seven day week with the service of three meals daily, compares favourably with other subsidised Government catering services.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Department's guidance to health authorities is that they should make charges for staff meals which cover the cost of ingredients and include a specified contribution to overheads. In the case of a basic meal, available at a fixed price negotiated annually in the Ancillary Staffs Council, the recommended contribution is 25 per cent. of the charge. For other meals it is 40 per cent. The Department keeps under review the extent to which the target contributions are achieved, and is currently reviewing its guidance bearing in mind the subsidy policies of other public and private organisations.
Number of cases where benefit withdrawn Appeals to local tribunal Appeals allowed wholly or in part Appeals to National Insurance Commissioner Appeals allowed wholly or in part 1976 999 141 55 14 5 1977 1167 132 28 12 1 1978 1197 141 54 16 3 1979 1082 145 64 15 8 1980 1568 155 64 20 6 Note: Some of the appeals in a particular year against withdrawal of benefit relate to benefit withdrawn in the previous year.