§ 55. Sir I. Alberyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider changing the food-rationing arrangements in this country, both as regards the Armed Services and civilians, so that one standard ration allowance shall be available to all, with an additional ration to those whose living and working conditions make this desirable?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy Noble Friend has the food-rationing arrangements for civilians continually under review, and remains of the opinion that no fundamental alteration in the present arrangements is 1706 necessary under existing conditions. The quantities of rationed foods issued to members of the Forces is a matter primarily for consideration by the Service Departments.
§ Sir I. AlberyWill my hon. and gallant Friend consider whether there is any justification for men who are doing similar work under similar conditions in Government offices in London getting entirely different rations?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not know what my hon. Friend means by his reference to men in Government offices in London. They do not get different treatment. If he refers to the Services, that is another matter. I would inform him that the ration which members of the various Services receive is the result of medical advice given to each of the Services. It is primarily a matter for them. I would also remind my hon. Friend that it is a very small proportion of the total number in the Services.
§ Sir I. AlberyI was referring particularly to the Services, but that is only one glaring example of a quite unreasonable inequality which at present exists in the rationing arrangements.