HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 c857W
Mr. Bracewell Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the representations from the Kitchen Committee that the finances of the Refreshment Department are being seriously affected by the present practice under which the House sits for two or three days only in each week and often rises just before the dinner hour; and what action he proposes to take?

Sir J. Simon

I have received through the chairman of the Kitchen Committee a request for assistance from public funds to the Refreshment Department of the House of Commons in order to enable the committee to provide the necessary refreshments and meals for Members at a reasonable cost during the abnormal conditions now obtaining. I am impressed with the fact that prior to the war the Kitchen Committee was showing a small profit, thus proving that any subvention from public funds under normal conditions would be unjustified and unnecessary. The present conditions are, however, quite abnormal, and the figures show that the committee is facing a serious loss. I have decided to present a Supplementary Estimate after Christmas for £2,500 to assist the committee to carry on until the close of the present financial year, a suitable advance being made meantime from the Civil Contingencies Fund.