§ 58. Mr. Tom Brownasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in some of the mining districts in Lancashire the supplementary cheese rations to mine-workers have been cancelled; on whose authority this has been done; and will he take the required steps to have them restored at once?
§ Mr. MabaneYes, Sir, I am informed that, owing to a misconception on the part of a local officer of the Ministry as to what should be regarded as adequate canteen facilities, the special cheese ration was withheld from certain miners in Lancashire. The misunderstanding has been removed, and the men concerned will be enabled to obtain the extra cheese. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to this matter.
§ Mr. BrownIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this point has caused considerable disturbance among the mining fraternity in Lancashire and North Wales? We have a saying in Lancashire that "neither wise men nor fools can work without tools," and the miners cannot produce coal without the necessary food.