§ Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Food how many civic restaurants were in existence in 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949; whether he is aware that some are now closing through trading losses, and whether, in view of their value to the community,
262W
Commodity Total profit in year to 31st March, 1946 Total profit in year to 31st March, 1947 Total profit in year to 31st March, 1948 Total profit in year to 31st March, 1949 £m. £m. £m. £m. Canned fish 0.4 — 0.9 1.5 Canned fruit and vegetables 0.4 — 2.0 0.4 Coffee 0.4 0.7 0.4 0.4 Cocoa 0.6 0.2 0.9 1.6 Fish 0.7 0.7 — — Fresh fruit and fruit pulp 1.7 1.4 6.2 3.5 Edible oils and fats (other than for domestic use) — — 7.6 5.7 Rice 0.3 0.7 0.6 0.6 Manufactured foods 0.1 — — — Dehydrated vegetables 0.2 0.1 — — Starch — 0.2 — — Edible pulses — — — 0.3 Canned meat — 0.8 2.2 0.2 Sugar (other than for domestic use) — 3.2 2.8 1.4 Poultry and rabbits — — 0.7 0.3 Milk powder — — 0.5 0.2 Condensed milk — — 0.1 — Edible nuts — — 1.8 0.5 Dried fruits — — — 0.5 Egg products (other than for domestic use) — — 1.3 0.5 4.8 8.0 28.0 17.6 he will take steps in conjunction with local authorities for inquiries to be made into the reasons for the lack of patronage and steps taken if possible to encourage the public to use them.
§ Mr. WebbThe number of civic restaurants operating was: At 5th January, 1946, 1,373; 1st February, 1947, 1,176; 3rd January, 1948, 773; 31st January, 1949 678; 15th January, 1950, 535. I know that some are closing down for financial reasons; but while I am in full agreement with my hon. Friend about their value to the community I think these are matters in which we must leave the public a free choice.