§ Mr. JOWETTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that in Bradford on Saturday last there were queues of people two and three abreast at five different shops all within half a mile distance from the town hall, the shortest of which was not less 473 than 40 yards and the longest 70 in length waiting for butter or margarine; and whether, especially having regard to the effect on the health and physical condition of women and children of standing for hours in the streets in cold and wet weather, he is taking any. action, and, if so, what action, with the object of enabling the people of Bradford to get their fair share of food without standing in queues for it?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe most effective remedy for the prevention of queues has been found to consist in the adoption of distribution schemes by local authorities on the lines of the model scheme issued by the Food Controller, the Divisional Commissioner for the West Riding of Bradford, and the immediately surrounding districts, with a view to the establishment of a local rationing scheme with Bradford as a centre.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEDoes the lion. Gentleman consider that queues will be abolished when this scheme is brought into operation?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am afraid queues will not be entirely abolished so long as any serious shortage exists; but we are doing our best to diminish the privations that arise from them.