§ 8. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will take steps to arrange that in the Forest of Dean all pits having canteens with accommodation for serving light meals shall be able also to supply more substantial meals than at present, and that where this cannot be done, or where no canteen arrangements are made, extra rations shall be released to the miners direct?
Major Lloyd GeorgeProvision for serving substantial meals at colliery canteens is made at the cost of the Miners' Welfare Commission wherever there is reasonable assurance that the number of customers [...]s likely to be sufficient to pay for the cost of the meals. The Commission has had no reason to feel assured that this is so at Forest of Dean Collieries, but if my hon. Friend has any particular collieries in mind the cases will be specially investigated if he will let me have the names.
The latter part of the Question should be addressed to my noble Friend the Minister of Food.
§ Mr. PriceDoes the Minister realise that the changes recommended in this Question would be bound to have a good effect on the general feeling in the collieries, and ultimately on production?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIf the hon. Member will let me have particulars, I shall be glad to look into them. We have made substantial progress in other parts of the country on this question.