54. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Ministry of Food to what extent his policy with regard to British Restaurants has been changed; and if he is now prepared to subsidise local restaurants for which there is no adequate local need and which the local authorities cannot effectively run.
§ Colonel LlewellinThe answer to the first part of the Question is, "It has not been changed," and to the second "No, Sir."
Mr. WhiteHas there not been a change, if Press reports are correct, with regard to certain British Restaurants in Yorkshire?
§ Colonel LlewellinIf my hon. Friend will let me know the particular restaurants to which he refers, I will look into it, but there has been no change in policy.
§ Mr. ReakesIs it not a fact that 400 British Restaurants have been closed, and, if that is so, is there any reason for it, seeing that the war is still on and the food situation is the same for war workers?
§ Colonel LlewellinI am not certain of the numbers that have been closed, but they have been closed where the public support for them has not been adequate to justify further expense.
§ Sir Oliver SimmondsIs it not a fact that a considerable number could be closed with great advantage to the tax-payers?