§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in Sutton-in-Ashfield, a British Restaurant has been opened next door to the premises of a fish-frier who has long traded on the spot, and that the restaurant has been supplied with new equipment, enabling them to sell fried fish in competition with the trader in question; and whether he proposes to investigate all cases of this kind with a view to fairer treatment of existing shopkeepers?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware that a British Restaurant is being established in Sutton-in-Ashfield; it is not yet, however, in operation. I am informed that there is a dearth of catering establishments in this town, that a British Restaurant is necessary and will serve a very useful purpose, and that the premises chosen were the most suitable of those available. The equipment referred to in my hon. Friend's Question as capable of being used for frying fish was intended to be used for other purposes. In fact, the menus to be provided in the British Restaurant already approved by the authority, did not include fried fish and chips. My Noble Friend has recently given an undertaking to representatives of the catering industry that if in any area it is proposed to establish a British Restaurant and the local caterers consider it unnecessary their views will be fully taken into account before approval is given.