55. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewingasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the total seating accommodation for people requiring meals within the South Bank Exhibition area; and if he is satisfied that these and the speed of service will be sufficient to avoid lengthy queues.
§ Mr. StokesTwelve catering establishments, including that in the Royal Festival Hall, which is controlled by the London County Council, will be available to visitors to South Bank. These establishments will accommodate about 4,200 persons seated at tables at one time. The catering facilities include restaurants which offer table service, and cafes,122W cafeterias, buffets and bars where service will be on the self-help system.
The concessionnaires fully appreciate the need for a speedy service. Although it may not be possible to provide a luncheon or dinner with full table service to all visitors who may prefer this, at a particular time, or to avoid the formation of queues when pressure on the catering services is very heavy, it is expected that the total catering capacity will enable all visitors in need of refreshment to obtain food and drink of one kind or another with reasonable promptitude.