HC Deb 11 November 1941 vol 374 cc2058-9W
Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, before any British Restaurant is established, investigation is made into the existing facilities for the supply of cooked food and the effect such communal feeding may have on the livelihood of retailers in the district?

Major Lloyd George

British Restaurants are established where, in the opinion of the local authority, facilities ought to be provided for the supply of hot, nutritious and cheap meals, and where such facilities are not otherwise provided, or are inadequate. It is the expressed wish of my Noble Friend that, before a decision is taken to establish a British Restaurant, full account should be taken of facilities provided by existing catering establishments. My hon. Friend will realise that it may frequently happen that catering facilities which were adequate under peace conditions are found to be insufficient to meet the demand at the present time.