HC Deb 28 January 1941 vol 368 cc444-5W
Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the employés in some factories doing Government work resent private firms entering to establish canteens on a profit basis; and whether he will consult with employers in order that such canteens may be managed, without profit, by an equal representation from the employers and workpeople?

Mr. Bevin

There are great advantages in canteens being run by the management in association with representatives of the workpeople, and I am glad to say that there are many run very successfully on these lines. I cannot, however, rule out the use of experienced catering firms, particularly at a time when catering presents special difficulties, to assist in achieving what I regard as of the greatest importance at the present time, namely, the widest extension of well-run canteens able to supply good meals at reasonable prices.