§ 50. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry, of Food whether he is aware that shopkeepers are finding it difficult to supply workmen's hostels recently set up by the Ministry of Labour in addition to their regular customers with unrationed foodstuffs; and whether he will consider supplying such hostels with their requirements direct from his Department as in the case of British restaurants?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware that, in certain cases, difficulties have been experienced by some new establishments catering for workers, including British Restaurants, in obtaining supplies of unrationed foods. The whole question of the better distribution of unrationed foodstuffs is receiving careful consideration.
§ Mr. DaviesWill the Minister bear in mind the difficulty of providing hostels with a sufficient supply of foodstuffs?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI appreciate the difficulty in regard to all these unrationed commodities, and we are taking special steps, apart from the examination of the bigger question. Instructions have been given which will make distribution easier.
§ Mr. DaviesDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that the hostels can be supplied by his Ministry? How are the British Restaurants supplied?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThey are not supplied direct by the Ministry, but through the ordinary trade channels.