§ Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the cost to public funds of canteen and other catering 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. BennCivil Service staff restaurants throughout the country are provided free of charge with premises, equipment and services. The cost to public funds of this provision is not readily available.
Each restaurant is currently entitled to a graduated cash subsidy designed to encourage efficiency. My Department has only one canteen, which is in London, 451W and the subsidy received was £17,276 in 1976 and £20,898 in 1977.
The contribution made by employees towards the cost of meals provided amounted to £109,381 for 1976 and £115,395 for 1977.