§ 51. Mrs. Tateasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has yet instructed the Somerset County Council to hand over St. John's School, Frome, to the Frome Urban Council, in order that a British Restaurant may be established on those premises, in accordance with the need and best interest of the town?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIt has been ascertained from further inquiry that it is not possible to extend the facilities for meals at St. John's School, Frome, because of educational requirements. Arrangements are therefore being made with the Frome Urban District Council to set up in another part of the town a British Restaurant, and as there are no suitable premises available a Nissen hut is being supplied. In all the circumstances I consider this to be the most satisfactory solution to the problem of providing the additional facilities for meals required at Frome.
§ Mrs. TateIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the claim of the Somerset County Council that these premises were needed for educational purposes is merely a flimsy excuse to prevent them being handed over to the Frome Council, and is not the resultant expense simply made necessary by the reactionary attitude of the Somerset County Council?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am not in a position to express an opinion about the Somerset County Council, but the hon. Lady is aware that I nave no power to interfere. My information is that this accommodation is required for educational purposes, and obviously if this is so, and it is possible to have an alternative site, the proposed solution ought to be carried out.