§ 41. Sir G. Foxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the profit or loss incurred in running Metropolitan Police Food Services during the year ended 31st August, 1939; if, in view of the average yearly loss of £100,000 at the present time and the low standard of food, he will consider putting it out to tender to commercial firms; and what notice has to be given to terminate the present arrangement.
§ Mr. EdeIn 1939, up to 31st August, the Canteen Board made a profit of £7, but conditions at that time were not comparable with those since 1st September, 1939, when the Metropolitan Police Food Service was set up to take over and extend the canteens and messes available to the force, and to operate under conditions which were necessarily unremunerative and unattractive to commercial firms. Measures taken since the end of the war have progressively reduced the annual deficit, and for the current year it is expected to be about £40,000. Termination of the164W present arrangement is not a matter for notice, and I do not accept the suggestion that the food supply is of a low standard.