HC Deb 05 December 1967 vol 755 cc278-9W
Sir T. Beamish

asked the Lord President of the Council what is the strength of the catering staff employed in the House of Commons; how many of its members will benefit from their share of the 7½ per cent. surcharge that is set aside for gratuities; and if he will give some typical examples, at different wage levels, of the annual sum that employees can expect to receive in a full year.

Mr. Maxwell

I have been asked to reply.

The present strength of the Refreshment Department is: 78 permanent staff 32 temporary staff (banquets).

All members of the staff will share in the gratuities fund. As my right hon. Friend said in the House on 27th November, the amount of the surcharge, the proportion to be set aside for gratuities, as well as the way in which the gratuities fund (or "tronc") is to be distributed, are all under consideration, and no estimate of the share of individual employees can therefore, be given.—[Vol. 755, c. 24–26.]

Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will give an assurance that no Argentine beef is, or will be, included in any of the menus in the House of Commons.

Mr. Crossman

Under the present management only home-grown beef is included on the menus.