Refreshment Department (Hansard, 10 March 1977)

§ Mr. William Shelton
asked the Lord President of the Council what was the balance of profit and/or loss of the House of Commons catering service over the last 10 years.

§ Mr. Foot
The information is as follows:

£

31st December 1967 7,181 loss

31st December 1968 3,399 loss

31st December 1969 3,007 profit

31st March 1970–71 18,754 loss

31st March 1971–72 22,443 loss

616W

31st March 1972–73 17,858 loss

31st March 1973–74 73,041

31st March 1974–75 151,719 loss

31st March 1975–76 285,819 loss

to 4th February 1976–77 290,779 loss

£867,586

§ Mr. William Shelton
asked the Lord President of the Council against what budget the current losses of the House of Commons catering service is debited; and what authorisation or Act covers this transaction.

§ Mr. Foot
The Refreshment Department is currently financing these losses by means of a bank overdraft. It is recognised that the present position is unsatisfactory, and steps have recently been taken, following discussions between Ministers and the Chairman of the Catering Sub-Committee, with a view to the establishment of a system of budgetary control in the Department, as recommended by the Committee of Inquiry.

	£
31st December 1967	7,181 loss
31st December 1968	3,399 loss
31st December 1969	3,007 profit
31st March 1970–71	18,754 loss
31st March 1971–72	22,443 loss

31st March 1972–73	17,858 loss
31st March 1973–74	73,041
31st March 1974–75	151,719 loss
31st March 1975–76	285,819 loss
to 4th February 1976–77	290,779 loss
	£867,586