§ 16. Mr. ALDENasked the Minister of Munitions how many canteens in connection with the controlled establishments are run by his Department; how many are under the management of voluntary agencies; whether he will state what those agencies or associations are; whether he is satisfied with the present management; and what steps the Board of Control is taking to start these canteens either within or without munition works?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT (Dr. Addison)I am informed by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) that they have not, up to the present, undertaken the direct management of any canteens, their duty being rather that of super- 798 vision and control. Some 120 canteens have been established by about a dozen voluntary societies, and the Board have power in suitable circumstances to make Grants to approved societies in aid of the capital expenditure incurred for this purpose. The management of these canteens must be satisfactory to the Board.
A recent concession by the Ministry of Munitions under which consideration is promised to approved expenditure on canteens at controlled establishments in calculating the profits at such establishments will, it is hoped, induce many employers to provide canteens for their workers. At a considerable number of munition works such canteens already exist, and some of them are managed by the workers or by joint committees of employers and employés. The Ministry of Munitions is providing canteens in the national projectile and filling factories, and in conjunction with the Central Control Board is taking active steps to encourage the establishment of canteens in "national" and "controlled" establishments. I understand that the Canteen Committee of the Board is in direct communication with a large number of employers in the principal munition and transport centres.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the hon. Gentleman tell us how many of these canteens are run by the People's Palace Association, a voluntary organisation working for profit?
§ Dr. ADDISONI cannot tell that without notice.
§ Dr. ADDISONYes.