§ 34. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the special hardship of Welsh miners due to the shortage of cheese; and whether, to meet this hardship in part, he will allow pithead canteens to be treated as catering establishments?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food(Major Lloyd George)My Noble Friend is aware of the importance of cheese in the diet of miners and he is hopeful, despite the difficulties involved, that a practical scheme will be completed for improving its distribution. In reply to the last part of the Question, my Noble Friend would welcome the development of pithead canteens and local food control committees would without question register any pithead canteens which require rationed food to serve in the form of meals.
§ Mr. EdwardsWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with the Secretary for Mines for the purpose of extending these facilities?
§ Mr. MathersIs there any immediate prospect of obtaining the increased supplies of cheese promised in reply to a recent Question of mine?
§ Mr. McGovernCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman explain why large numbers of cafés can supply cheese indiscriminately for sandwich purposes while in industrial areas workers cannot get this staple commodity?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe whole question of cheese is being looked into. I do not accept that it is possible to buy cheese indiscriminately all over the country.
§ Mr. McGovernAs I have been challenged, I say that I can get it even in Italian cafés in London.