§ Andrew SelousTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost of running the Department's canteen facilities was in(a) 1996–97 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available. [185244]
§ Mr. McNultyIn 1996–97 the Department's restaurant services were provided by an outside contractor and the contract attracted a subsidy of £25,000. The Department also paid the accommodation and utilities costs. These were borne within the overall costs for the building (so separate figures are not available). The contract was re-let in 2000, it was let on a self-financing basis. This gave the contractor freedom to operate commercially and it obviated the requirement for a cash subsidy. The Department still pays the accommodation and utilities costs. Another contract has recently been let still under the same self-financing principle.