asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the number of collieries in the country that have canteens where sit-down meals are provided; the number of meals provided to a given date; and the various percentages of the workmen partaking of such meals at the collieries where such provision is made?

On 1st March, 239 collieries had canteens where full meals are provided and the number of such canteens is steadily increasing. Returns are not received as to the number of meals provided, but from the results of a special investigation it has been estimated that in the first week of January, the full meal canteens then operating provided daily about 62,400 full meals to an average of 29 per cent. of the men employed at those collieries, 71,000 snack meals to 33 per cent. and 43,000 packed meals to 20 per cent.