§ Mr. MORRELL (by Private Notice)asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the increasing discontent which has arisen on account of the unequal system of food distribution, and if he can yet say definitely when the proposed national system of food rationing will be brought into operation?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have only received notice of this question since entering the House. At the moment I can only say there is no evidence of increasing discontent, but there is every indication of an increasing appreciation of the difficulties. The local schemes, as they are termed, built up upon the model scheme which was sent out by the Ministry of Food on 22nd December, are being extensively adopted and cover now the greater part of the country. These schemes provide for the more equitable distribution of meat, margarine, tea, and. butter, and one or two other main articles of food of which there is a shortage. The experience thereby gained is going to be of considerable value, and the local authorities are assured that the steps which they are now taking will not be materially upset nor will their efforts be wasted when the national scheme has to be applied. The Food Controller has recently announced that it will probably be imposed about April or May.