§ Mr. MIDDLETONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that as the result of the withdrawal of the Government subsidy it is now proposed to close the refreshment bar at King Edward building from 6.30 p.m. to 6 am., with the result that a large staff of postal employés on duty between these hours are unable to procure food or refreshment; the number of men who will be affected by the proposed change; and whether he will make representations to the Treasury with a view to the restoration of the Government grant?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is a tact that the Refreshment Club Committee have decided to discontinue working during the hours in question, but it is hardly correct to say that the staff will be unable to procure refreshment, as there are liberal facilities for cooking food and heating water in the retiring rooms. The men affected number about. 1,000, of whom the maximum number requiring a meal at any one time is less than 250. The withdrawal of the subsidy from refreshment clubs in Government offices was decided on by the Treasury as a measure of national economy; and I know of no grounds for recommending 2099W exceptional treatment for the club in question.