§ 75. Mr. G. LAMBERTasked the amount of meat per head consumed in the United Kingdom for the six months ending 31st December; whether it was in excess of the recommended ration and, if so, by how much and what is the estimated amount of meat per head available from Home sources for the first six months of 1918?
Mr. PARKERThe estimated consumption of meat of all kinds by the civilian population of the United Kingdom for the six months ended 31st December was 2 lbs. per head per week. This was about 8 per cent. in excess of the maximum quantity based on the voluntary ration of 2 lbs. 787 per week for adults, with smaller quantities for children. In reply to the last part of the question it may be stated that any estimate of the meat supplies available for the first half of the Present year must be very tentative, but the information available indicates a considerable reduction On the rate of consumption in the second half of last year.
§ Mr. LAMBERTCan the Food Controller give us some idea of the amount of meat in this country—home-produced meat—for consumption during the next six months?
Mr. PARKERI have not the figures before me, but if the hon. Member will put down a question I will endeavour to obtain the information.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the hon. Gentleman use his influence with the newspapers to stop their panic headlines, which do much to encourage the enemy?
Mr. PARKERI am afraid I cannot influence the newspapers in this country, but I am sure that Lord Rhondda is doing all he can to get the newspapers to support him in his arduous task.