§ 45. Mrs. Mannasked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what sum the Refreshment Department has received from the Treasury this year; and for what purpose.
§ Sir W. StewardThree thousand pounds has been received in respect of this year's trading, to reimburse the Department the cost of wages and superannuation paid to the staff, when the House is in Recess, less the profits made on any business done during those periods when the House is not sitting.
For the years 1954 and 1956 when the Department paid its way without aid, the whole of the amounts received was used to reduce the bank overdraft, which at 31st December, 1951, stood at £41,913 and at 31st December, 1956, was £8,966.
§ 46. Mrs. Mannasked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, by what sum Members are subsidised for meals consumed in the House of Commons; and what other persons are so subsidised in respect of facilities provided by the Refreshment Department.
§ Sir W. StewardThe Department is provided with free accommodation, lighting and heating, furniture and fittings. Apart from these necessary amenities, there is no assistance from the Treasury other than that given in my reply to the previous Question.
These amenities also apply to the Press Gallery, to the staff of the House, and to all others who are entitled to make use of the facilities of the Refreshment Department.