§ 25. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the right hon. Member for Middlesbrough, as representing the House of Commons Commission, when the annual entertainment allowance paid to the Manager of the Refreshment Department of £1,500 per annum was introduced, and for what 20W purpose; and, in view of the Government's declared policy of cutting public expenditure, if he will cease this payment forthwith.
§ Mr. Arthur BottomleyI understand that the allowance—which follows the normal practice in catering establishments—was introduced in May 1977 on the authorisation of the then Chairman of the Catering Sub-Committee, in consultation with the Exchequer and Audit Department. Now that the Refreshment Department is a Department of the House, the allowance will be subject to annual review in the normal way.