HC Deb 06 February 1940 vol 357 cc37-40
Mr. T. Williams

(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is in a position to make a statement as to the date of the introduction of meat rationing?

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

Rationing of butcher's meat will be introduced on Monday, nth March. The ration will be on a value basis and will at the outset be at the rate of 1s. 10d. per week for each person over six years of age, and half that amount for children less than six years old. A large proportion of the meat supplies available for civil consumption are home-produced, of which the amount coming on to the market varies considerably from week to week. I intend, therefore, to keep the supply situation under constant review and to modify the ration from time to time in the light of existing circumstances. Only butcher's meat will be rationed. Edible offals, such as liver, kidneys, tongue and oxtail, and manufactured meats, such as sausages and meat pies, will be free of the ration. For the initial period restaurants, industrial, school and other canteens, feeding centres and all other forms of catering establishments will be permitted to serve meat meals free of the coupon, but I shall be obliged to restrict the supply to them of all kinds of butcher's meat to a proportion of their normal requirements. The actual proportion will be subject to variation from time to time in accordance with the supply situation. Pending the introduction of rationing, I am arranging that the quantity of meat allocated to retail butchers shall be approximately the same as they will be entitled to receive after rationing begins. The same applies to catering establishments. I am confident that the public will respond by restricting their purchases during the intervening period and also by confining them to the butcher with whom they are registered or, in the case of pork, to their usual supplier.

Mr. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the chaotic conditions existing in the main slaughtering districts at the moment will be smoothed out before 11th March? Secondly, will he assure the House that the allotting officers will have no direct connection with the butchery trade in the districts in which they operate, and, thirdly, will he assure the House that any offals drawn from animals slaughtered in a particular neighbourhood will be shared equitably among the users of such offals in that particular area?

Mr. Morrison

In reply to the first Question, the distribution scheme has been greatly upset in many localities by the very abnormal weather conditions and I am confident that when conditions return to normal the scheme will work smoothly. With regard to allocation, the hon. Member is aware that the final distribution is in the hands of committees of retail butchers and I am also confident that with the experience of the requirements they will be able to allocate in a proper manner. As regards the functions of the officers of he Ministry, they will assist in every possible way to secure that the allocation of butcher's meat and edible offals is as fair as possible.

Mr. Williams

With regard to the first allocation by the Wholesale Meat Traders' Association, is it proposed that the gentlemen who will make the first allotment which is finally shared out by the area committees will have no connection with the butchery trade in that district? Would the right hon. Gentleman also answer my first question? Will every edible offal drawn from an area remain in that area?

Mr. Morrison

With regard to the first question, the allocation from the wholesale association will be done under the control of an employéof the association who has severed his connection with the trade. Regarding edible offals, I think it would be impossible to ensure that all edible offals are consumed in the districts from which they originate, because that would mean that the urban districts would not get their fair share, but we shall try to distribute them as equitably as possible.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Will my right hon. Friend explain why difficult transport conditions made it necessary to take meat from Exeter to Kent and bring second-rate meat to Exeter from Salisbury and elsewhere? Is he not using transport difficulties as an excuse to cover the complete muddle caused by his scheme? Further, can be state whom he expects to buy the more expensive cuts of meat?

Mr. Morrison

With regard to the first part of the question, I am not in agreement with my hon. and gallant Friend on the conclusion which he draws. There is no doubt that weather conditions have prevented free transport. That has been the great problem. With regard to the second part of the question, as to who is going to buy the more expensive cuts, I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will buy a few himself.

Sir J. Lamb

Does my right hon. Friend's reference to schools include those elementary schools where a mid-day meal is given?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. My reference to schools was intended to convey that in those elementary schools where either free or cheap meals are provided an allocation of meat free of coupon will be made for that purpose.

Mr. Alexander

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present basis of meat for manufacture is causing grave dissatisfaction right through the country? Will he have that basis examined at once, before rationing is instituted?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware that there have been complaints on that score. Of course, it is a very complicated matter to arrange to everybody's satisfaction. If the right hon. Gentleman has any specific suggestion I shall be glad to consider it.

Mr. Alexander

Suggestions have been made.

Mr. John Morgan

Seeing that the coupon is to be on a value basis, it is essential that prices shall be kept under review. Is the right hon. Gentleman able to give an assurance that prices will not be raised before 11th March, so that the coupon will have its full present value?

Mr. Morrison

I should not like to commit myself, beyond saying that the prices will be kept constantly under review, so that the ration which is expressed in terms of money will be related to the proper allocation made by weight.

Mr. De la Bère

By what right does the right hon. Gentleman propose to control livestock prices below the cost of production? What on earth does it mean?

Mr. Morrison

The Government try to deal fairly with producers. My powers are derived from this House.

Mr. Liddall

When rationing is introduced will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that English-produced beef and mutton is allocated to what are known as English butchers, and not to people who have been dealing all along, up to the outbreak of war, in imported meat?

Mr. Morrison

I will do my best to see that the English butcher gets a fair cut of the joint.