§ 52. Mr. Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can now announce whether measures are to be taken compulsorily to restrict the supply of foodstuffs at public restaurants, hotels, clubs, and the like; from what date such orders will be effective and whether they will be accompanied by price control?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe supply of rationed foods to public restaurants, hotels, clubs and all other catering establishments is already restricted. My Noble Friend proposes to make an Order at an early date with a view to regulating the consumption of food in catering establishments, but this Order will not contain any provision for the control of prices in catering establishments.
§ Mr. LyonsWould the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider making that Order as soon as possible, so that for once, at any rate, there is no time lag between public opinion and the Ministry?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not know what the hon. and learned Member means by that, but I can assure him that it is only a matter of days before the Order will be out.
§ 54. Captain Cunningham-Reidasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused to small caterers by having to compete with canteens and communal feeding centres, who are able to obtain supplies at low prices; and whether he will take steps to protect the livelihood of these caterers?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWorks canteens and community kitchens are being established with the main object of securing, as far as possible, that one adequate meal should be obtained by persons who, owing to war-time conditions, might otherwise be unable to obtain it. Speaking generally, the communal feeding centres are established only where suitable catering facilities are not otherwise available and they do not occupy a privileged position in regard to buying facilities.
§ Captain Cunningham-ReidI suppose that what it amounts to is that in wartime it is quite impossible to protect all interests?