§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT as full and detailed a list as may be readily available giving the amount of Treasury subsidy paid to the canteen and catering facilities of the various Ministerial Departments for each of the years from 1964 to date.
§ Mr. David HowellThe main assistance to canteens in Departments is given by providing accommodation, standard equipment and fuel. No cash figure could be placed on the value of such assistance without a great deal of time and effort.
§ Mr. H. Boardmanasked the Minister for the Civil Service which Government Departments in London provide canteen facilities for departmental staff; what is the price charged for a standard lunch; whether the canteens are run at a profit or a loss; and what is the annual subsidy, covering how many meals, in each Department.
§ Mr. David HowellNearly all staff in London have access to canteen facilities either in their own Department or nearby. A recent survey of prices charged in London canteens showed that a meal consisting of a joint and two vegetables plus sweet cost an average of 28p.
As regards subsidies, and profitability, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) today.