§ 3. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give particulars of the progress made in the provision of canteen services at coal mines?
§ 4. Sir Herbert Williamsasked the Secretary for Mines the number of mines' canteens in existence at the end of October; and for how many miners they catered?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe number of colliery canteens in operation on 31st October was about 531, catering for some 500,000 miners. Canteens were being arranged at 290 other collieries, and when these are in operation 90 per cent. of the miners at pits employing more than 50 men will have been catered for. It is the intention to improve the service, where possible, as opportunities arise, and experiments are in progress with this object.
§ Mr. GriffithsCan my hon. Friend state in how many of these canteens full meals have been provided for?
§ Mr. GrenfellI cannot give the exact numbers. They serve only for a small proportion of the' miners.
§ Mr. GriffithsAre steps being taken to increase that proportion?
§ Mr. GrenfellWherever possible, but my hon. Friend must realise that the choice of the form of canteen provision is offered in every case to the local organisation and to the men.
§ Sir H. WilliamsHas the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to a circular issued by the Ministry of Information which would appear to indicate that the number of canteens is really far in excess of the number in existence?
§ Mr. GrenfellI have not seen that circular.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister for a copy?