HC Deb 22 October 1941 vol 374 cc1780-1
56. Mr. Price

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why surface workers in mines are not permitted the same extra food rations which are accorded to underground workers in mines?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)

The special ration of cheese was provided to meet the needs of categories of workers for whom the provision of adequate canteen facilities was impracticable and who required to take suitable food with them to their work. I think my hon. Friend will agree that in this respect the surface mine worker is not in the same position as the underground worker.

Mr. Price

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend know that surface men in many coalfields consider that they have as severe work to perform as those who work underground, and is there not a case for looking into their condition in this respect?

Major Lloyd George

I am sure that my hon. Friend appreciates that it is almost impossible to draw a satisfactory line. We have done our best with the advice available to us, and we hope very much that the canteen programme that we have in mind will do a lot to meet the need for surface workers' meals.