§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the cost was of(a) the in-house canteen and (b) other catering services provided by the Department in 2002. [104259]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonCatering services to meet my Department's requirements are provided through contractual arrangements with specialist suppliers. The term "in-house canteen" is taken to mean facilities provided primarily for use by my Department's staff.
My Department operates one staff canteen in its London headquarters where there is a concentration of staff. The facility is also used by visitors to the building.
Income from sales is used to offset the cost to the Department. However, there is a need for a subsidy, the cost of which was £82,124 in 2002.
My Department also provides catering services for jurors and other members of the public attending court buildings. These facilities are provided at 63 courts in England and Wales. In order to provide a service which supports effectively the business of the courts and 569W maintains the segregation and security of the various parties, especially jurors, a subsidy is required. In 2002 the subsidy amounted to £1,237,456.