§ 43. Mr. Sloanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the nutrition of certain classes of workers in Scotland is inadequate, and compares unfavourably with the nutrition standards provided for other classes of workers; and whether he will take steps to provide adequate and equal nutrition for all workers?
Mr. JohnstonThe policy of the Government has been, and is, to provide adequate nutrition for all classes of workers. If, as I assume, my hon. Friend has in mind any disparity in the provision of food canteens, and especially at the coal pits, in Scotland, I can assure him that the matter is receiving urgent attention.
§ Mr. SloanIs my right hon. Friend aware that the possibility of procuring nutritious food for miners in Scotland is almost nil, that miners' wives are completely at their wits' end, and that they are taking long journeys to the towns only to find short rations there? Will he see that the canteen system is spread as far as possible in Scotland?
Mr. JohnstonYes, Sir. My hon. Friend the Minister of Mines has the subject very urgently under review. In Scotland we are exceptionally badly off. At present, we have only two canteens in active operation.