HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 cc141-2W
56. Mr. Tom Driberg

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware that, on 27th August at 1 p.m., at a licensed cafeteria in Richmond Park, for which he is responsible, the Very Reverend H. C. L. Heywood took a cheese-roll, half an egg sandwich, and half another sandwich, and ordered a bottle of beer, and was then advised that, in order to obtain the beer, he must have a meal and that a meal must consist of or include one complete sandwich, uniformly filled; what instructions have been given by his department to the catering concessionaire which could have led to this misinterpretation of the law; and what action he is taking to prevent a repetition of such action.

Lord John Hope

The caterer has not been able to identify the incident mentioned by the hon. Member, after the interval of more than three months. This cafeteria is licensed for the sale of alcoholic drinks only if food to the value of Is. is purchased at the same time. As the licence is granted to the caterer, not to me, I do not issue any specific instructions as to the application of the licensing requirements. The cafeteria staff have clear instructions from the caterer.