§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Trans- 2114W port whether he is aware of the disadvantages suffered by locomotive and other railwaymen by the absence of canteen facilities at main depots, such as St. Margarets, Edinburgh, King's Cross, &c.; and whether he will take steps immediately to have this service brought into line with other necessary war work?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am aware that railwaymen want more canteens than it has been possible to provide. A large number of canteens, however, are already in operation; more are now under construction; and plans are being prepared for a much larger number still. They are being built under a system of priorities which depends on the supplies of labour and material which are available. The priority allotted to different places is decided by the railway companies in consultation with the Railwaymen's Trade Unions.