HC Deb 18 December 1919 vol 123 cc642-4
52. Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the Prime Minister if he has any information as to what are the present rations of bread, flour, vegetables, and coal per week per head in Vienna; what is the present death-rate among children in the same town; and whether all food supplies now in transit to or in Austria will come to an end on 21st January next?

The PRIME MINISTER

As the answer is long and detailed, I propose, with my Noble Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the Answer referred to:

As regards the first two parts of the question the latest information which we have is as follows:

Rations in Vienna.

The bread ration in Vienna per head per week for ordinary workers is 1,170 grammes of flour, including 250 grammes for cooking. For hard workers 1,686 grammes of flour and 250 for cooking. It has been impossible for the Food Controller to guarantee these quantities. The normal ration in Vienna is 1,150 grammes of flour and 500 grammes for cooking. The normal ration for hard workers is 2,045 grammes of flour and 500 grammes for cooking.

Coal.

Seven kilos per household per week for domestic and cooking purposes as opposed to 25 kilos for domestic purposes and 20 for cooking under normal rations. The existing ration cannot be provided with any regularity.

Vegetables.

Are not rationed, only beets and turnips can be had.

Meat.

The present meat ration is 100 grammes per head per week.

Fats.

The ration of fats is 120 grammes.

Milk.

One tin of condensed milk per week supplied only to children under seven years old. Half to one litre per day fresh milk supplied only to children under one year.

Sugar.

Three-quarters kilo per month in towns, and half kilo per month in the country.

Mortality among Children.

No figures are available as to the present death-rate among children in Vienna. During 1918, 19,000 children were born in Vienna and 51,000 children died.

As regards the last part of the question, I understand that the position is substantially as stated. Every effort is being made to arrange for the supply of Austria after 21st January.

Viscount CURZON

Is the position described in the last part of the question correct?

The PRIME MINISTER

I would rather have the whole answer circulated. It is a very long and detailed one, giving figures.