§ 41. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will indicate what progress has been made in the provision of canteens at factories and workshops; and what further special provisions are being made for heavy workers?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that the latest figures available in respect of the provision of canteens at factories and workshops are those given in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie) on 2nd October. In reply to the last part of the Question, as I mentioned in the Debate on the same day, the principle has been accepted of granting increased allowances of certain foods such as meat, sugar and fats to industrial canteens. My Department are now working out the details of the scheme. Instructions have already been issued to local food offices for the classification of establishments for this purpose, and it is hoped shortly to issue instructions as to the steps to be taken for making the extra supplies of food available to establishments which come within the appropriate categories.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn those cases in which it is found impossible to get communal 2031 meals for workers employed in heavy industries, will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the question of introducing the individual ration?
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesHas the Department paid any attention to the very large railway and engineering shops on munitions work to see whether there are any canteens in those works?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy hon. Friend will appreciate that the primary purpose of my Department is to provide the food, but I will certainly look into that matter.