§ 46. Mr. Banfieldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in any scheme to increase rations for heavy-manual workers, he will consider the case of operative bakers employed on continuous nightwork in an atmosphere of 90 degrees or more on shifts extending at week-ends to 12 to 16 hours and for whom neither canteens nor restaurants are available?
§ 49. Mr. Sorensenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the particular strain and responsibility experienced by drivers and male and female conductors of public-transport vehicles, he has made any special inquiries in consultation with their trade unions respecting the effect of the present rations on their health and stamina; and whether he will consider diving special attention to the nutritive needs of this class of worker with a view to some concession being made?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIn such matters, my Department have the benefit of the advice of the special advisory committee set up by the Trades Union Congress. As I mentioned in the Debate on the 2nd of this month, every possible encouragement has been given to the setting up of works' canteens and British Restaurants and measures for improving the supply of foods to establishments catering for workers are under consideration. I appreciate that there are categories of workers in whose cases the provision of canteen facilities involves some difficulty and I shall be happy to have inquiries made in any such cases if my hon. Friends will furnish me with the particulars.
§ Mr. BanfieldIs not the Minister aware that, in the case of many bakeries, canteens are not a possibility? He must recognise that. If that is so, will he not give special consideration to this matter?
Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir, I shall be very happy to do so. We have in view other arrangements whereby people who are in a position where canteen facilities cannot be made available, will be catered for in a different way.