§ 65. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Food whether in view of the decrease in the number of civic restaurants in three years from 1,373 to 678, he will take steps in conjunction with the local authorities concerned to investigate the reason for this decrease, in order that the decline may be arrested and that more such restaurants shall be provided to satisfy the needs of many people.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe establishment of civic restaurants must, I think, be left to local initiative and decision, but my Department and the Ministry of Health are very ready to help local authorities in this.
§ Mr. PiratinWhile appreciating the Minister's readiness to help local authorities, may I ask the right hon. Lady if she is not aware of the fact that local authorities are not prepared to help themselves in the matter, and, therefore, would she carry out the request contained in the Question that she should consult with local authorities, perhaps with the assistance of her right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, to find out why civil restaurants are declining in number when they should be increasing?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think the hon. Gentleman knows enough about local authorities to realise that we must leave them to settle their own affairs. If they like to come to us we are, of course, ready to help them.