RATIONING.

HC Deb 13 December 1939 vol 355 cc1203-4

65. Mr. Purbrick

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the reason for the proposed rationing of certain foodstuffs such as butter and bacon; and whether, before bringing in such regulations, he will present to the House the detailed figures showing the position as regards stocks and estimated supplies, and the estimated consumption under rationing compared with the previous consumption?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the full statement which I made in the House during the course of the Debate on 8th November. As regards the second part, my hon. Friend will realise that it would not be in the national interest to make public detailed information as to stocks, and estimated supplies and consumption of foodstuffs.

75. Mr. Graham White

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it is his wish that, pending the coming into force of the rationing scheme, consumers should reduce voluntarily their consumption to the amount of the official ration?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. Consumers will be acting in the public interest by restricting voluntarily, pending the introduction of the rationing scheme, their purchases of both the commodities, namely, bacon and ham and butter, to four ounces per week. I have asked consumers also to restrict their purchases of sugar to one pound per head per week.

76. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can yet make a statement as to the possibility of granting extra rationing allow- ances of butter to patients needing the greater amount who have a medical recommendation to that effect?

Mr. Morrison

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. George Hall) on 3oth November.

Mr. George Griffiths

May I ask the Food Controller whether he will be able to issue a statement so that these 300,000 diabetics will know how they will be affected after 8th January?

Mr. Morrison

I appreciate the anxiety of the hon. Member and a statement will be issued as soon as possible.

Mr. Griffiths

Before Christmas?