§ 42. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, having regard to the fact that all overheads, other than staff wages are covered within the general costs of the Palace of Westminster, how and on what basis a charge of 233.6 pence per pound is made for 694W ordinary cheddar cheese in the self-service cafeteria; what is the normal price of cheddar cheese; and how this compares with the price paid by the Refreshment Department.
§ Mr. Charles IrvingI have been asked to reply.
It is not true to say that all overheads, other than staff wages, are covered within the general cost of the Palace of Westminster. The price of cheddar cheese in the cafeterias is designed to achieve a 50 per cent. cost profit, plus VAT, as is the case with all items offered for sale in the cafeterias.