HC Deb 08 July 1942 vol 381 cc769-70
51. Major Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has now completed the review of the working of the house charges as originally permitted in hotels and restaurants under the new Order; what steps are proposed and what withdrawals have been made in those cases where through the operation of these permitted additions the cost is equal to, or greater than, that obtaining prior to the Order curtailing the amount of foodstuffs?

Mr. Mabane

The review mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend has not yet been completed. Until it has been completed I should prefer to postpone my reply to the second part of the Question.

Major Lyons

Will my hon. Friend see that this review is speeded up, because the Order seems to be mere window-dressing and wants drastic amendment before it will be of any effect?

Sir L. Lyle

Is it not a fact that the only place where you can get a really good meal is in a works canteen or a British Restaurant?

Mr. Mabane

Certainly, you can get very good meals there.

Sir Percy Harris

Is my hon. Friend aware that in most restaurants as a result of the new policy prices are still going up instead of down?

Mr. Mabane

Attendance at those restaurants is not compulsory.

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