§ Mrs. Mannasked the hon. Member for West Walthamstow, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he will say from which rooms the 2,259 pieces of cutlery have disappeared, and in which months.
§ Mr. McEnteeI regret that it is not possible to say from which rooms, nor in which months the cutlery, etc., referred to in the hon. Lady's Question, were missing. There are 16 places under the control of the Kitchen Committee, where refreshments are regularly served to Members, visitors, the Press, and the staff. In addition, refreshments are served occasionally in other parts of the Palace of Westminster. Cutlery is frequently used more than once during meal periods, being used, washed in a central washing department, and passed on for use again in any room where it may be required. Stocks are taken at regular intervals. Whilst it is probable that losses occur in all places under the Committee's control, and in each month, it is not possible to give details. The number of missing articles is not higher than in previous years, when related to the number of persons and meals now being served, and to the number of staff employed.