§ 4. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of canteens now established at coal mines; what proportion of these supply hot meals; and what is the number of pits at which no canteen facilities are provided?
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)Eight hundred and nineteen coal mines employing more than 50 persons have canteens established, and 71 mines employing less than 50 persons have been provided with a food service. Canteens supplying full meals are in operation at 123 mines, under construction at 181 and in preparation at 147, making a total of 451 covering 57 per cent. of the personnel of the industry. Hot snacks are obtainable at a number of the other canteens also. Two hundred and eleven mines employing more than 50 persons have no canteen facilities at present, but at 110 of these, building or other preparatory work is in progress towards establishing canteens, and at nearly all the others the workmen do not want canteens.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the Minister taking-steps to increase the number of canteens which are providing full meals? Is he aware that the facilities so far provided are short of the real need if miners are to maintain their health?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAnything I can do to push that forward I shall do, as I attach the greatest importance to that policy.