HC Deb 29 November 1948 vol 458 cc1627-8
61. Mr. C. S. Taylor

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now give permission for fish friers to serve hot beverages and also bread and butter with fried fish.

Mr. Strachey

I am afraid we cannot allow supplies to fish friers outside the normal catering-licence procedure.

Mr. Taylor

But is there any licence required for serving hot drinks? For certain hot drinks no rationed commodities are required. Why cannot they serve hot drinks?

Mr. Strachey

Where no rationed foodstuffs are in question—and subject to notice—I think they are entitled to serve them.

Mr. Taylor

Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that fish friers can serve drinks such as Bovril, Oxo and black coffee?

Mr. Strachey

I must have notice of the exact position.

Mr. Hastings

Is it not highly desirable that bread and butter should be taken with fried fish, on dietetic grounds?

Mr. Strachey

I have not said that we are going to refuse catering licences to all fish friers. We should not do so, but I do not think we can give them special treatment.

Mr. Taylor

In view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

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