§ 16. Sir ARTHUR SHIRLEY BENNasked the Food Controller whether, seeing that there is at the moment a large supply of home-killed meat and large arrivals of frozen meat are expected, he will, under the circumstances, consider the advisability of giving the public for the time being an increased meat ration, which would be beneficial and enable the people to get into a better position to face any meat shortage that may occur?
§ The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)Any increase in the meat ration now might involve a serious meat shortage in the early months of 1919. It is, moreover, necessary for us, in common with our Allies, to bear in mind the obligation of meeting in some measure the urgent requirements of the starving countries of Europe. It would, therefore, be undesirable by separate action to encourage increased consumption at the present time.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNIs it not a fact that a great deal of meat is being wasted at present through not being killed?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am not aware of any wastage of that kind.