HC Deb 13 April 1965 vol 710 cc169-70W
Sir D. Kaberry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 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.

Sir D. Kaberry

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations 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.

Mr. George Thomson

With permission, I will answer also the Question addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations as since the formation of the Diplomatic Service on the 1st January, 1965, canteen services are amongst the subjects administered jointly.

  1. (a) There are three canteens in Diplomatic Service buildings in London.
  2. (b) The lowest price for a meal is about 2s. 6d., but hot snacks and salads only are served at one canteen.
  3. (c) The average price varies from 2s. 11d. to 3s. 6d. according to the canteen.
  4. (d) The canteens are operated by management committees of users. The prices of meals are fixed by the Committees, but items are normally priced separately. 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 and fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. Cleaning is provided free of cost to the canteens, which are also eligible for a small labour subsidy not exceeding £70 per annum allowed for restaurants employing less than twelve catering staff.
  5. (e) Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited accounts have to be submitted annually.