§ 50. Sir R. Youngasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the great hardship imposed on the supplies of fried fish by the inequitable distribution of compound as a cooking fat; that some businesses only receive one-seventh of their previous weekly amounts; by what arrangement the amount of compound is supplied to each fried fish shop; and whether that arrangement is such that all sellers of this valuable food get the same percentage amount of their pre-war orders of cooking fats?
Major Lloyd GeorgeOils and fats are rationed to all trade users on the basis of their pre-war usage. The basic allocation to fish friers is 75 percent of that usage but a special concession was made to them during last summer when for 16 weeks their allocation was raised to 100 percent. on condition that for a corresponding period during the winter the allocation would be reduced to 50 percent. This latter period ends on 6th April. After that date the allocation will be restored to 75 percent. An adjustment of the allocation is made to meet movement of the population, a somewhat higher percentage than the basic allocation being granted to fish friers in reception areas. No reduction has, however, been made in the evacuation areas while the basic allocation has been 50 percent. The adjustment is based upon the latest available population figures. No fish frier should therefore be receiving only one-seventh of his datum period usage. If my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of any such cases I will have them investigated.
§ Sir R. YoungIs the hon. and gallant Member quite certain that fish friers are not reduced to one-seventh of their normal supplies?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am certain they are not reduced to one-seventh. If my hon. Friend has a case in mind, I shall be grateful if he will let me have the particulars.