§ 42. Mr. PETOasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether in certain markets in Devonshire butter is being taken home unsold, as on the existing scale of ration it cannot be sold; and whether, in view of the increased summer milk yield, it is proposed to increase the ration during the summer months?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have seen this statement in the Press, but I gather that the difficulties were exceptional. Arrangements are now being made to authorise the purchase by householders for preserving purposes of quantities of butter beyond the ration allowance, and to collect surplus quantities of butter with a view to storage for winter use. It is not proposed to increase the ration of butter and margarine during the summer months.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTIn these matters cannot the local food committee have discretionary powers in order to prevent any large quantity of butter being spoiled during the coming hot weather?
§ Mr. CLYNESI should hope that local committees would take action to prevent the spoiling of any butter. It is the desire of the Ministry now not so much to increase the consumption as to be certain that there will be adequate quantities for winter use.
§ Mr. CLYNESI should like notice, in order to see whether any change has taken place.