§ 20. Mr. Dobbieasked the Minister of Labour whether he can now make a further statement as to progress in the establishment of factory canteens?
§ Mr. BevinAt the end of July there were canteens selling hot meals at approximately 4,000 factories, including shipbuilding yards, but excluding other canteens and refreshment houses at docks and canteens at building sites. In addition such canteens were being established at about 750 factories. Canteens at building sites numbered 46c; and dock canteens, in so far as they could be distinguished from other refreshment houses at docks, were reckoned at 70, with 37 more in course of establishment. As stated in my Reply of 7th August to a Question by the hon. Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward), factory canteens have recently been coming into actual operation at the rate of about 100 a month.
Miss WardCan my right hon. Friend say whether there is an equal meat ration available at every canteen or whether there is some differentiation as between the canteens used by workers in the heavy industries and the canteens used by workers engaged on lighter industrial work?
§ Mr. BevinI must refer the hon. lady to the new announcement which was made yesterday by the Ministry of Food.
§ Mr. LoftusIs my right hon. Friend giving priority to coal mining canteens, as they are far more necessary than many of the other canteens?
§ Mr. BevinThe coal mines canteens do not come under my Department. They are being dealt with by the Board of Trade and by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines.