§ 5. Sir G. Foxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department from what sources the Metropolitan Police Food Services canteens purchase their supplies; who decides this; and whether the trade is put out to public tender.
§ Mr. EdeBulk purchases for the central stores are made by the Controller and Assistant Controller from a large number of firms, some under regular purchasing arrangements and others for additional supplies as they become available. Other goods, such as meat, fish and vegetables, are purchased locally by canteen managers. It is not considered practicable to invite public tenders for these supplies
§ 6. Sir G. Foxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of canteens run by the Metropolitan Police Food Services; the number of personnel administrating these services, indicating their various ranks and the number in each; and the number of motor cars so employed.
§ Mr. EdeThere are 170 canteens administered by a headquarters staff of 37, including a controller, assistant controller, accountant, assistant accountant, ration officer and 32 clerks, typists, etc., with supervisory and depot staffs of 46, in-76W cluding 4 managers, 14 supervisors and 28 clerks and warehousemen. The actual canteen staffs number 804, including 189 managers and stewards 143 cooks and assistant cooks, 450 canteen and kitchen assistants, and 22 miscellaneous staff. Two cars are used for supervisory purposes and five vans for the distribution of goods.
§ 7. Sir G. Foxasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the annual loss incurred each year since 1939 in the running of the Metropolitan Police Food Services; to what fund the deficit is charged; and what steps are being taken to remedy such losses.
§ Mr. EdeDuring the war years the average excess of expenditure over receipts in the Metropolitan Police Food Service was approximately £100,000 per annum and this has been met from the Metropolitan Police Fund. The excess has recently dropped appreciably and, as a result of various measures taken, including a reduction in the supervisory staffs, the number of depots, transport for distribution of supplies and revision of prices charged, further considerable economies are anticipated during the present year. I am satisfied that conditions during the war years and since have fully justified this expenditure in the interest of the health and efficiency of members of the force.
The excess of expenditure over income for the period since 1st September, 1939, when the Police Fund assumed financial responsibility has been:
£ 13 months to 30th September, 1940 … 118,836 Year to 30th September, 1941 … 100,316 1942 … 91,970 1943 … 100,484 1944 … 99,679 1945 … 112,033 1946 … 61,043