HC Deb 18 March 1943 vol 387 cc1344-5W
Sir R. Gower

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what percentage of rationed food per day is represented by the food consumed in British Restaurants?

Mr. Mabane

It is estimated to be about 0.15 per cent.

Mr. Groves

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the serious inconvenience caused by the closing of the British Restaurant, Brook Road, South Benfleet, Essex; and whether he will consult with the local council to reopen, advertise and popularise it, thus giving it a further opportunity?

Mr. Mabane

For more than a year unavailing efforts have been made to popularise the restaurant in question and put it on a self-supporting basis. The number of meals served has never been more than a fraction of the number which the restaurant was equipped to supply, and it has therefore been operated consistently at a loss. In these circumstances my Noble Friend, while regretting the inconvenience caused to the small number of regular customers, cannot see his way to alter the approval he has given to the closing of the restaurant.