HC Deb 29 April 1941 vol 371 cc342-3
33. Mr. Cocks

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider extending the extra cheese ration allotted to underground miners and agricultural workers to quarrymen?

Major Lloyd George

My Noble Friend regrets that he is unable at present to grant the larger cheese ration to any other categories of workers than those already included in the scheme, in the limitations of which he is supported by the representatives of workers' organisations, with whom he is in close touch.

Mr. Cocks

Will the Minister consider extending the extra cheese ration to quarrymen, who also work in the open air, in view of their difficulty in getting home for food?

Major Lloyd George

I fully appreciate that there are other classes of cases which can be brought under the same heading as those receiving this ration, but our difficulty, as I mentioned last week, is the question of shortage of supplies. As I said in answer to a Question last week, we are keeping the matter constantly under review.

Mr. Thorne

Is there any truth in the statement made in the Press, that the Ministry anticipate a big increase in the production of cheese?

Major Lloyd George

We are always hoping for an increase.

Mr. Mathers

Are we to understand that contrary to the statement made a few days ago, the question of an additional ration of cheese for railwaymen, who have travelling to do and require an additional ration, has been decided?