HC Deb 27 June 1918 vol 107 c1221
42. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked whether national kitchens have any advantage over caterers for working-class consumers in respect of finance, rent, rates, taxes, and supplies of provisions?

Mr. CLYNES

The only advantage that the national kitchens have over caterers for working-class consumers is that advances are made from Imperial funds to local authorities in respect of the full capital outlay on approved schemes. These advances are free of interest, but the capital is repayable in ten equal yearly instalments.

43. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked whether any large firms of caterers for the working classes with establishments in all parts of London have offered to place these establishments, without profit, at the disposal of the Department for use as national kitchens, with their experienced staffs, thus avoiding the need of costly new premises and of engaging large staffs of inexperienced persons who would have been available for other work of national importance?

Mr. CLYNES

A deputation of catering firms recently put forward the suggestion that their establishments should be utilised as national kitchens, and they have been requested to submit definite proposals for consideration.