HC Deb 07 October 1941 vol 374 cc825-6
30. Mr. Gordon Macdonald

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of food canteens at the collieries in Lancashire and Cheshire; and what action he is taking to bring about a rapid increase in the number?

The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)

Thirty-two collieries have canteens, of which at least seven have been registered by the Ministry of Food for supplementary supplies of rationed foods. The Lancashire District Miners' Welfare Committee have decided in favour of the establishment of central kitchens to supply food to collieries and three of these —to supply 42 collieries—are in process of establishment and will soon be at work.

Mr. Macdonald

Will not my hon. Friend take some action to increase the supply of these canteens?

Mr. Grenfell

My hon. Friend must know that there is no delay at all. This matter is under the care of the Miners' Welfare Commission, upon which the Miners' Federation and the mineowners have representatives. There are also three independent representatives and an independent chairman— Member of this House. They are pushing on; they have a programme costing £1,500,000 which will cover the whole industry.

32. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of canteens and British Restaurants, respectively, and the proportion of workers supplied, now established in the mining centres of Northumberland and Durham, respectively; and what is the anticipated numbers by the end of the year?

Mr. Grenfell

Forty-two British Restaurants serving 7,700 meals daily have been established in 20 towns and villages in the mining areas of Northumberland and Durham. As these are open to the public generally it is not possible to say how many workers are actually served by them. There is steady development in the opening of further centres and it is anticipated that at least another 20 centres, that is 62 in all, will be opened by the end of the year. Fourteen canteens have been established at collieries in Northumberland, and 37 at collieries in Durham providing food for 40 and 48 per cent. of the workers employed at collieries in those districts respectively. Others are in preparation at 29 and 49 collieries providing for 42 and 35 per cent. of the workers respectively, and should be established by the end of the year.

Mr. Adams

Will my hon. Friend expedite the provision of these canteens?

Mr. Grenfell

There is no delay. There are nearly 2,000 pits in production, and something is being done and will be done this year for all of them.

Mr. Shinwell

Why does my hon. Friend say there is no delay in providing these canteens when in the whole of Durham and Northumberland not 10 per cent. of the miners are supplied with these canteens, in spite of the fact that this matter has been before him for more than 12 months?

Mr. Grenfell

I do not think I was at all backward. We all suggested more rations for miners in their homes. That is how it began, and then we switched over to the improvisation of arrangements at pits. There has been no delay. More than 10 per cent. of the miners have been provided for in these counties.

Mr. Shinwell

As to the statement about more than 10 per cent. being provided for, I challenge my hon. Friend to demonstrate that—

Mr. Speaker

Order!

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of my hon. Friend's reply, I give notice that I intend to raise this matter again at a suitable opportunity.