HC Deb 10 May 1944 vol 399 cc1903-4
55. Mr. Hugh Lawson

asked the Minister of Food if he- is aware that although the Skipton Urban District Council has been considering the matter since 1940, no British Restaurant has yet been established in Skipton; and if he will either require the local authority to establish a British Restaurant, or institute a public inquiry into the delay in this case.

Mr. Mabane

I am informed that the Skipton Urban District Council has now undertaken to establish a British Restaurant, and is at present considering the tenders which it invited last month for erection of the necessary building.

Mr. Lawson

Can I have an assurance that the Department will press this local authority to get on with the job, because they have been discussing it for four years?

Mr. Mabane

That is a matter, as my hon. Friend knows, for the local authority.

Mr. George Griffiths

Did not the electors of Skipton send the hon. Member here to press it upon the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Mabane

He has done so.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it a fact that there is no hall available in Skipton for the British Restaurant?

Mr. Mabane

So the Skipton local authority decided.