§ Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of of State for Wales what was the cost to public funds of canteen and other catering 536W facilities provided by his Department for employees (a) in London, and (b) elsewhere during 1976 and 1977, respectively; and what contribution was made towards the cost of meals provided for and consumed by employees during working hours by those employees.
§ Mr. John MorrisMy Department operates one canteen, in Cardiff. Civil Service restaurants are entitled to graduated subsidies designed to encourage efficiency. The Cardiff canteen received subsidies of £960 and £480 in 1976–77 and in the first half of the current financial year, respectively, during which periods employees paid £7,331 and £3,755 for meals and snacks. Accommodation, equipment, heating and lighting are provided free of charge and the cost to public funds is not readily identifiable.