§ 6. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Food the total loss which has so far been incurred by the running of civic restaurants.
Mr. AmoryLocal authorities are only required to submit accounts to me when their restaurants have made losses in each of three consecutive years, and then only if they seek permission to continue to trade. I regret therefore that the information asked for is not available to my Department.
§ Brigadier MedlicottCan it be taken that the loss is considerable and is a good deal more than local authorities can afford?
§ Mr. SimmonsIs the Minister aware that Birmingham has run civic restaurants since the end of the war—Birmingham took over the wartime restaurants—and has made a profit every year, and that these restaurants have cost the taxpayers nothing?
§ Mr. NabarroA good Tory council.