§ 15. Mr. GILBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, although a food rationing scheme has been established for London and home counties since the beginning of March, the staff were still engaged on 14th March in addressing and posting cards of membership of the League of National Safety, together with metal anchors, to people within the Metropolitan area; and whether, in view of the need for economy in labour, cardboard, metal, and envelopes, he will have this stopped at once?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)The institution of a rationing scheme for meat and fats does not preclude the necessity for economy in unrationed foods, notably in bread and cereals generally. In this respect useful service has been rendered by the League of National Safety and the League of the Anchor, in 1468 which children only are enrolled. Although, therefore, no applications for membership have been invited, or fresh material purchased since 9th February, it was thought desirable to send existing applicants such anchors and membership cards as were available. This work has been performed by volunteers under the supervision of three clerks, whose services were retained with a view to their transfer to other branches of the Ministry.