HC Deb 15 August 1940 vol 364 c993W
Mr. David Adams

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any arrangements are being made for large-scale communal i ceding of the population with a view to securing more economical preparation of food, a better balanced diet and greater economy of fuel; and whether it is intended that such communal meals shall, if and when required, be compulsory on all sections of the population?

Mr. Boothby

Extensive facilities for communal feeding are provided by commercial enterprise and by voluntary agencies. These are being continually augmented to meet current requirements particularly in industrial centres. Steps have been taken to encourage an extension of existing school feeding facilities, and the Ministry of Food has undertaken to investigate any cases in which it appears, as a result of inquiries made by the welfare officers of the Ministry of Labour, that existing or prospective provision for the feeding of factory workers is inadequate. The need for further provision will be kept under review, but it seems unlikely that any measure of compulsion in regard to communal feeding will be necessary in existing conditions.

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