§ Mr. Kelleyasked the Lord President of the Council, in view of the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the reductions in prices which should follow the cutting down of selective employment tax by 50 per cent., why prices have not been reduced in the various eating and drinking establishments in the House of Commons.
Dr. BennettI have been asked to reply.
The Refreshment Department has been running at a heavy loss and the cut in S.E.T. will have to be used to reduce this. Many changes in administration are now in process of being made, which it is expected will lead to economies. As soon as any considerable surplus is achieved, the benefits will be returned to Members in lower prices.