§ 75. Mr. Oliverasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, pending the erection of a canteen, temporary provi- 1554 sions can be made at the Manner's Colliery, Ilkeston, for the supply of adequate and suitable food to the men there employed similar to that provided at pits where canteen facilities are in use; and whether he will treat this matter as one of extreme urgency with a view to avoiding a fall in output?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. Tom Smith)I am informed that arrangements are being made for the provision of a full-meal canteen at Manner's Colliery. Mean while provision for the service of snack meals has existed since 1941 and a British Restaurant is situated near the collliery.
§ Mr. OliverIs my hon. Friend aware that snack meals are totally inadequate if miners are to do a good job and keep up their regular shifts? We want something better.
§ Mr. SmithI am aware that snack meals are unsatisfactory, but if my hon. Friend will look at an answer which was given to a Question yesterday I think he will agree that much progress has been made in the provision of full meal canteens and that we are doing all that we can at the present time.