§ 60. Mr. WATTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that local food committees in Scotland, when presented with medical certificates asking for extra rations for invalids, are still replying that such permits can only be had from the head office in London; and that, in particular, the local food committee of Rutherglen are taking this stand in connection with the issue of white flour to invalids; and will he see this remedied, in view of the delays and risks of life occasioned in communicating with his London Department?
§ Mr. PARKERThe new procedure by which food control committees will have power to deal with applications for extra rations in an extended list of diseases, and with applications for white flour in certain cases, will come into force with the introduction of national rationing on July 14th. After that date it will only be necessary to refer exceptional cases to the Ministry. Should any cases arise in which life would be endangered by delay, the local committees will have power to deal with them under the special provision made for cases of grave emergency.
§ Mr. WATTWill the hon. Gentleman represent to the Department that this is an old grievance, and that a promise was made in the matter long ago?