HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 cc201-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will give an assurance that the 12½ per cent. increase in prices being made by the Refreshment Department will not apply to prices charged in the staff canteens.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

A 12½ per cent. increase in prices is being made in every branch of the Refreshment Department.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT as much detailed information as may be readily available giving the prices which are charged to Members in their cafeteria, tea room and dining rooms, in particular the price of an individual pork pie.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 2nd February, 1971. The price of an individual pork pie is 2s.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Lord President of the Council why, in view of the fact that the Refreshment Department incur no costs in rates, rent, heat, light or cleaning, the Services Committee have agreed to a 12½ per cent. increase in all prices charged to Members using the Refreshment Department.

Dr. Bennett

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 2nd February, 1971, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details giving the prices charged on 1st October, 1964, and each successive year, and on 31st January, 1971, in the Members' self-service cafeteria and tea rooms, of a pork pie, pot of tea, ham sandwich, an apple, and as many other food dishes as may be now available for comparison, and submit these details together with the 12½ per cent. increase made on 1st February, 1971, to the Review Committee on Members' Salaries.

Mr. Whitelaw

As regards the first part of the Question, No. The research required would not be justified.

As regards the submission of evidence to the Review Body, I would again refer the hon. Member to the written reply I gave him on 20th January.—[Vol. 809, c. 283.]