§ 75. Mr. W. THORNEasked the hon. Member for Wilton if he is aware that since the Food Controller suggested the maximum amount of bread, sugar, and meat that should be allowed for each person to consume in their households there has been a bigger demand made by the moneyed classes in the West End shops; and if he intends taking any action in the matter with a view to: preventing the rich people obtaining more than the amount recommended by the Food Controller?
Captain BATHURSTUnpatriotic action such as that described in the question may have been taken by certain individuals, but I have no evidence to show that it has been at all common, and I should be sorry to believe that it is. The suggestion made in the last part of the question involves the introduction of a compulsory rationing scheme, which it is hoped that it may prove possible to avoid by reliance upon the honour of people of all classes in the country.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the hon. Gentleman appeal to some of these very large societies, such as the Civil Service Stores 786 and the Army and Navy Stores, not to supply these particular persons with more than they have been in the habit of purchasing?
Captain BATHURSTThe hon. Member's suggestions will certainly be borne in mind. I may say that appeals of that character have already been made in certain cases.
§ Mr. LOUGHIs there any evidence that one class of society can get sugar and not the members of another class of society?
Captain BATHURSTI have already stated that I have no evidence that the practice has been at all common.