HC Deb 26 July 1939 vol 350 cc1489-90W
Dr. Summerskill

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is considering providing better accommodation for the kitchen and dining-room staffs of this House?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I am aware that the accommodation for the Kitchen and Dining Room staffs of this House leaves a great deal to be desired. I have been in consultation with the appropriate authorities at the House with a view to taking such steps as may be practicable to make an improvement, and have already decided to carry out, during the Recess, certain alterations recommended by the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee to my predecessor last March.

Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what proportion of the staff of the House of Commons is liable to dismissal when the House is not sitting; and what adjustments can be made to prevent this?

Mr. Bracewell-Smith

About 70 per cent. of the staff in the Kitchen Department arc liable to be dismissed during the Christmas and Summer Recesses. To pay full wages to this section of the staff during these periods would cost about £2,500. This sum could be found in one of three ways, namely:

  1. (1) By a subsidy from the Treasury.
  2. (2) By a levy of 4 per annum from each Member of Parliament.
  3. (3) By an increase in the prices of meals and drinks.

Dr. Summerskill

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as representing the Kitchen Committee, whether his attention has been called to the recent death of Arthur English, a member of the Kitchen Committee's staff, in circumstances connected with his employment; whether he is aware that the widow is entirely without means; and whether the Kitchen Committee propose to make her any payment through the Workmen's Compensation Act or otherwise?

Mr. Bracewell-Smith

I was very sorry to hear of the recent death of a member of the Kitchen staff, but cannot agree that it was due to circumstances connected with his employment in the Kitchen Department. If it is found that the widow is entirely without means, then I am sure that the Kitchen Committee will give very sympathetic consideration to her case.