§ Sir D. Kaberryasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his 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.
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§ Mr. MacDermotThere is one canteen for Treasury staff. It is operated by a management committee of users. The prices of meals are fixed by the Committee, but items are normally priced separately. The minimum price for which a two course meal is available is 2s. 7d. and the average price is 3s. 9d.
The prices are designed to cover cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat or fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works' Vote. Cleaning is provided by the Department as a part of office cleaning. 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 through unforeseen circumstances the staff restaurant committee incurs a loss, the Treasury Catering Adviser is required to investigate and give advice designed to ensure that measures are taken to stabilise the trading.