§ 74. Mr. RENDALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why the national kitchen in Maida Vale is to be closed on 25th March; whether he is aware that thousands of housekeepers have been gradually learning to economise in coal and gas as the result of this kitchen's existence; if hewill undertake to reopen, it in the autumn; and if he has taken any steps to get local bodies or persons to undertake its maintenance and management?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe national kitchen to which the hon. Member refers is presumably that situated at the Public Baths, Seymour Place, Marylebone. It was recently decided by the Marylebone Borough Council that this kitchen should be closed owing to the fact that it was being run at a loss and that the premises were again required for use as public baths.I am fully in accord with the view that national kitchens and restaurants should be continued and developed, wherever possible, and I propose to take steps, in conjunction with the local authority, for the reopening of a national kitchen in thisdistrict in the autumn.