HC Deb 24 July 1940 vol 363 c811
62. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will organise a scheme whereby the tea ration, or part of it, of children and those people who are small tea drinkers, could be used to increase the ration of old age pensioners?

Mr. Boothby

It is inevitable that in all measures of rationing the family as a unit suffers less inconvenience than a person living alone. I cannot, however, hold out any hopes of being able to find a means of overcoming this difficulty which would be practicable from an administrative point of view.

Mr. Parker

Would it be possible to supplement the tea supplies with cocoa supplies from West Africa, in view of the very short sea route from West Africa?

Mr. Boothby

That is a rather different matter from the matter which is under consideration.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Would it be possible to give old age pensioners a small additional ration?

Mr. Boothby

No, Sir, it is not possible to differentiate between various sections of the population, but it is hoped, as I said last week, to raise the general ration.

Forward to