§ Captain WRIGHTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether in January last the J. P. Restaurants Company, Limited, offered to the Ministry their fifty-six restaurants in London, together with the management, 1575W staff, plant, and utensils for use as national kitchens, on terms that existing salaries and wages be paid and the company guaranteed against loss, but that no profit be paid; whether the offer was declined, and new premises are being taken and equipped at considerable expense; and whether, to avoid expense and duplication of premises, the decision of the Ministry can now be reconsidered, and the offer, if still open, wholly or partially accepted.
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The institution of national kitchens was designed not to supplant but to supplement existing caterers in view of the increased demands which war conditions have involved. It was not, therefore, thought advisable to accept this offer. For the last part of the question I may refer the hon. Member to the answer given last Thursday to the hon. Member for Haggerston.