4. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Labour how many canteens he has ordered to be established; how many have been built and equipped; and how many have been provided with rationed foods?
§ Mr. BevinLegal directions, under my orders, have been given for canteens at about 150 factories, including shipyards, and 25 building sites, and notices have been served on 10 dock authorities to secure improved facilities. Most canteens at such places have been or are being established voluntarily, and, therefore, the foregoing figures are no index to the number of canteens in existence. New canteens have lately been completed and opened at an estimated rate of about 100 a month. So far as I am aware, they are all supplied with rationed' foods.
Miss WardIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the position as regards the speeding-up of the building of canteens and the food?
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir, but we are improving the position as to dealing with the question of priorities for supplies of equipment for canteens by centralising the authority, which I think will speed up the supply of equipment.
Miss CazaletIs the right hon, Gentleman satisfied that the standard of cooking is kept up in these canteens?
§ Mr. BevinYes, I am satisfied that attention is given to the standard of cooking. I have seen sample menus, and the Ministry has been advised by good experts and canteen people who have been helping me in the development of the canteens.
§ Mr. ThorneCannot you get good advice from a good housewife?