HC Deb 29 July 1942 vol 382 cc513-4
64. Mr. Kendall

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he has taken to obtain the views of the family baker in relation to the question of subsidy?

Mr. Mabane

Negotiations have taken place with the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers, and the Scottish Master Bakers' Association, and they have been given the fullest opportunity to state the views of their members. These bodies are fully representative of all bakers, including family bakers. There is no other organisation representative of the family baker with which my Department could have consulted.

65. Mr. Kendall

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he has taken to co-ordinate the family baker's equipment and knowledge with the British Restaurants, thus saving fuel, labour, equipment and foodstuffs?

Mr. Mabane

I am not clear what the hon. Member intends, but supplies of bakery products for consumption in British Restaurants are normally purchased from the bakery trade and local authorities and others providing meat pies and snacks for workers in rural areas are encouraged to make use of the facilities offered by local bakers for production and distribution. My Noble Friend does not, however, consider that the use of bakers' ovens for the provision of meals in British Restaurants can, generally speaking, be further developed owing to the greatly increased demands on bakers' staff and equipment under war conditions.