HC Deb 22 January 1918 vol 101 c780
1. Colonel BURN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the potato ration issued to the German prisoners in this country has been increased from 2 oz. to 20 oz. per diem?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)

Yes, Sir; the change was made on the recommendation of the medical authorities. The extra potatoes are, of course, in substitution for other articles of food, which are less easily obtainable.

Colonel BURN

Does not my hon. Friend think that this increase in the ration is abnormally great and entirely out of proportion to the rations our people are getting in Germany?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As I have pointed out, there is no real increase in the general ration; it is merely substitution for other articles of food which are not so easily obtained.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

How do these rations compare with what the Food Controller advises the ordinary person to take?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have not gone into that question.