§ Sir D. Kaberryasked the Minister of Overseas Development how many staff and other canteens are established and run in her Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.
§ Mrs. CastleThere is one staff restaurant. It is operated by a management committee of users. The prices of meals are fixed by the Committee, but items are normally price separately. The minimum price for which a two course meal is available is 2s. 6d., and the average price 3s. 6d.
159WThe prices are designed to cover the cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel; they are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. A cash subsidy is given in lieu of the provision of cleaning by the Department. Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited Accounts have to be submitted annually to the establishment officer and the Treasury catering adviser. If the staff restaurant committee through unforeseen circumstances incurred a loss, the Treasury catering adviser would be required to investigate and give advice designed to ensure that measures were taken to stabilise the trading.