§ 32. Mr. W. Brownasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning whether he is aware that proposals for a civil servants' canteen were made some three years ago by the Ministry of Labour on behalf of its own staff; that about a year ago the Ministry of Works and Planning agreed to proceed on the basis of a canteen for all civil servants in the Inner Manchester Circle and Kendall Milne's premises were selected as suitable; that, although nearly 2,000 civil servants have promised support to the canteen, no steps appear yet to have been taken to institute it; and whether he will indicate the reason for the delay?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Planning (Mr. Hicks)I am informed that the proposal was first put forward 18 months ago. It was beset with difficulties owing to the shortage of suitable accommodation as well as of labour and materials. The scheme was approved in principle in December, 1941; but premises had still to be found and plans prepared, and, on account of the large amount of labour and materials involved, it was 708 necessary to reconsider it. This has now been done, and instructions have been given that the scheme is to proceed without delay.