§ 42. Mr. Garrettasked the Lord President of the Council what was the amount paid for the year ended December, 1971, to J. Lyons and Company Limited for assistance in operating the Refreshment Department of the House of Commons.
Dr. BennettI have been asked to reply.
During 1971 we have paid to Versa Serve Limited the sum of £6,301.
§ 43. Mr. Garrettasked the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement on the recent increases in prices throughout the Refreshment Department of the House of Commons.
Dr. BennettI have been asked to reply.
The increase in prices a year ago failed to make good the rise in costs during 1970–71 and the 10 per cent. increase in wages.
Prices have now been increased at an average rate of 15 per cent., but with particular application to those items which are most uneconomic at present. These new prices are intended to make 184W good the extra costs of materials and to provide for an increase in wages for the staff and a shortening of their working week.