Refreshment Department
44.
asked the hon. Member for Gorton, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if all the eggs used in the kitchens of the House of Commons are national-mark eggs?
Yes, Sir.
Is there any possibility of the Liberal party requiring eggs in view of an early General Election?
57.
asked the hon. Member for the Gorton Division, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if all the ingredients of the Christmas pudding produced in the kitchens of the House of Commons are of Empire origin?
Yes, Sir.
58.
asked the hon. Member for the Gorton Division as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee why Colchester oysters are not supplied in the Members' Dining Room?
Owing to what we consider the excessive wholesale rate charged for Colchester oysters, the Kitchen Committee find it impossible to supply same to hon. Members at a reasonable price.
May I ask how the hon. Gentleman knows that Members of this House would not be prepared to pay a better price for a better article if he never puts the better article before them?
Colchester medium oysters cost 6s. 3d. per dozen, without any allowance for throw-outs. The Kitchen Committee are placing on the tables of the House to-day Whitstable oysters of similar size, which are supplied to Members at the tables at 5s. 6d. per dozen, and, believe me, that is just about as much as we can squeeze out of oyster consumers.
Is the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee aware that Colchester oysters come from Brightlingsea, which I represent, and not from Colchester; and, in view of the prominence that is given to the problems of Scottish fishermen, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware of the desperate plight in which the Brightlingsea fishermen have been placed by their inability to get their oysters on the tables of the House of Commons?
Arising out of my hon. Friend's original reply, may I ask if the inflated prices for these extraordinary dishes do not in fact have the effect of inflating the prices of the normal dishes which ordinary Members want?
No, Sir, the opposite is the effect.
Standing Orders (Private Business)
45.
asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to ask this. House to appoint a Select Committee to review the Standing Orders relating to Private Business; and, if so, when will such Committee be set up?
Since the Resolution of the House on the 13th November last, the review of Standing Orders relating to-Private Business has been under consideration, and I hope it may be possible-to consider the appointment of a Select Committee soon after the House reassembles.