HC Deb 31 October 1949 vol 469 cc21-2
27. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Food how much the 28-page catalogue of Civic Restaurants costs; and what is its purpose.

Dr. Summerskill

The cost of this Leaflet is 3d. per copy. Its purpose is to provide cyclists, hikers, and other holiday makers, with information about the location of British Restaurants, so that they will know where they can obtain good cheap meals. It follows the promise of my right hon. Friend in July, 1948, that he would publish such a list.

Mr. Keeling

I wanted to know how much it cost the taxpayer to produce it. As very few people eat in a Civic Restaurant, except in the places where they live or work, is it not rather foolish to spend money on such a catalogue?

Dr. Summerskill

The hon. Member must realise that private enterprise does just the same thing—the rambling associations, the cyclists' touring clubs and the Trust Houses. As far as the taxpayer's money is concerned, this will pay for itself, because already 5,000 copies have been issued and 3,500 bought.

Mr. Somerville Hastings

Can my right hon. Friend say where this useful document can be obtained?

Dr. Summerskill

At the Stationery Office.

Captain John Crowder

Who is responsible for issuing this catalogue? It is not stated on the document, which merely says it is printed by His Majesty's Stationery Office. Is the right hon. Lady's Department responsible?

Dr. Summerskill

That is why we answered the Question.

Captain Crowder

It is very good of you.