§ 58. Mr. PETOasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to make any alteration in the ration of meat, including suet, allowed to children and growing boys and girls up to the age of eighteen; and whether he can state under what conditions doctors' certificates will be accepted by the local food control committees as evidence of the need of increased diet above the ordinary ration in individual cases?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn view of the limited supplies of meat and suet available, it is not proposed at present to make any alteration in the ration allowed to growing boys and girls. The diet can be made sufficient by using non-rationed foods, such as fish, eggs, porridge, and milk, including pulse foods and cheese, when obtainable. Extra rations of meat and fat are at present only allowed in case of tuberculosis and diabetes.
§ 62. Mr. GILBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in some districts in London some coupon holders have been unable to obtain meat, butter, or margarine from their registered shopkeepers; and can he arrange that, in cases of this kind, the local food committee can authorise forthwith some other shopkeeper to supply such persons when this happens?
§ Mr. CLYNESFood control committees have full power to transfer registered customers from one shop to another either temporarily or permanently, or to transfer supplies from one retailer to another. The validity of the meat coupon has further been extended from one week to eleven days. When the rationing scheme is in full working order, difficulties such as those referred to in the question should be 20 rare. In the meantime the powers referred to appear to be sufficient to enable committees to make the local adjustments suggested.